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BIOGRAPHY 

OF 

COL. R. M. JOHNSON. 



" Liberty of Speech, Rights of Conscience, and 
Freedom of the Press." 



AUTHENTIC 



OF 



COL. RICHARD M. JOHNSON, 



OF 



KENTUCKY. 

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Boston; 

PUBLISHED FOR THE PROPRIETOR. 

1834. 




.J6'?£3 



[Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year one thou- 
sand eight hundred and thirty-three, by William Emmons, in 
the Clerk's office of the District Court of the Southern District of 
New York.] 



PUBLISHER'S PREFACE. 



It is with heartfelt pride and gratification, that the 
publisher has it in his power to present to the Ameri- 
can public the following authentic outline of the life 
and actions of Colonel Richard M. Johnson, of Ken- 
tucky. This sketch, faint and imperfect as it is, will 
serve to record some few of the meritorious services 
which have distinguished his career, and rendered him 
an object of general admiration and respect. In him 
we find combined, in an eminent degree, the qualities 
which distinguish the philanthropist, the statesman, and 
the hero. We see him, while yet in early youth, plead- 
ing the cause of the poor against the rich, in the courts 
of law, without the least prospect of fee or emolument, 
and thus exposing himself to the ill-will of the wealthy 
and influential, as well as to the censures of his breth- 
ren of the profession. We see him again, at the early 
age of twenty, filling, to the satisfaction of his constitu- 
ents, a seat in the legislative councils of the state ; and 
soon after, while yet under the constitutional age, call- 
ed, by popular acclamation, at a critical period, to rep- 
resent the state in the national councils. In his con- 
gressional career of thirty years — as a senator and 
representative — we find him the prominent, bold, ar- 
dent, and unwavering champion of liberal and national 
principles, espousing the cause of humble and friend- 
less claimants, — sustaining national honor and interests 
against the efforts of party zeal,— combatting the preju- 



IV PREFACE. 

dices of ages, in favor of honest and oppressed debtors-, 
— stemming by his personal influence and resistless el- 
oquence the combined exertions of misguided religious 
enthusiasm, — and strongly discountenancing, at the sa- 
crifice of some personal partialities, the dangerous po- 
litical heresy which lately threatened our Union. 

If we follow him to the field, we see him inspiring 
confidence among his followers, and carrying terror to 
the hearts of the foe ; freely pouring out his blood in 
the cause of his country, or returning the herald of vic- 
tory. Now we see him, at the age of fifty-two, in the 
full vigor of life, not only the favorite of Kentucky, but 
the boast of Americans, and still ready and able, at the 
call of his country, to do her good service in the cabi- 
net or in the field. 

Surely, then, the publisher may, with confidence and 
pleasure, present to the public, the biography of so il- 
lustrious a citizen. His fame is already in the keeping 
of the American people, and in their hands it will be 
safe ; for they are a grateful people, and will ever hold 
his character and services in grateful remembrance, 

" Let the heart of his country cherish 
His high and well earned fame, 
Till a glory that cannot perish 
Be gathered around his name." 

Ashel Lang-worthy* 

New York, July 4, 1834. 



BIOGRAPHY 



OF 



COL. RICHARD M. JOHNSON, 

OF KENTUCKY. 



Col. Richard Mentor Johnson was born in 
Kentucky, in the autumn of the year 1781. He 
was the third son of Col. Robert Johnson, a na- 
tive of Virginia, who had emigrated to Kentucky, 
during the revolutionary war, and while it was yet a 
county of that state. Col. Robert Johnson partook 
strongly of that high toned integrity and courage 
which marked the times in which he lived, and the 
race to which he belonged. The men of that day 
seem to have been specially gifted by Divine Provi- 
dence with those heroic virtues which befit the 
fathers and founders of a republic. To them was 
assigned the task of erecting in the new world, a 
new political system, under which the long forgot- 
ten rights of man could take shelter and abide. 
By them was the forest to be felled and the earth 
made to yield its harvests. The new settlements 
were to be protected from the hostility of the abo- 
rigines, and in support of their rights, liberty, and 
independence, a long, bloody, and desperate strug- 
1* 



6 BIOGRAPHY OF 

gle was to be maintained with the mother country. 
Magnanimity, perseverance and self-denial, were 
essential to their success ; and these qualities they 
posssesed in the highest degree. Prominent among 
these men was Col. Robert Johnson. His wisdom, 
integrity, and discretion secured to him the esteem 
and confidence of his fellow citizens, which they 
manifested by repeatedly electing him to the gene- 
ral assembly. An inflexible adherence to the prin- 
ciples of justice, a life of Christian morality and 
fervent piety, and a manner happily combining 
gravity with gentleness, gave him a commanding in- 
fluence in society. 

Kentucky, at the period of Col. Johnson's remo- 
val to it, was called the " Bloody ground" on ac- 
count of the frequent and sanguinary wars waged 
upon the settlers by the natives, in which whole 
neighborhoods were often desolated, the settlers be- 
ing massacred without discrimination of sex or age, 
and their habitations laid in ashes, and the crops 
destroyed. In these wars Col. Johnson took an ac- 
tive part ; and such was the confidence reposed, by 
his fellow citizens, in his courage and conduct, that 
he was called to a conspicuous station in every bold 
and hazardous adventure. His country's cause he 
regarded as his own ; and he deemed it his duty, as 
a citizen, freely to put at peril his personal inter- 
ests, and even his life, in defence of the Common- 
wealth. This sentiment he inculcated upon the 
minds of his children, with earnest solicitude. He 
early inured them to the endurance of hardship and 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 7 

privation. So far, indeed, did he adopt this Spar- 
tan mode of education, that when his eldest son 
Col. James Johnson, was but fifteen years of age, 
and too feeble to undergo the fatigues of the wil- 
derness, he took him to the conflict with the savage 
foe, with a servant to carry his rifle, and assist him 
in difficult passages, that he might thus learn from 
early habit, to endure the toils and brave the dan- 
gers of war. 

After the termination of hostilities with the In- 
dians, Col. Johnson devoted himself assiduouslv to 
his favorite employment of agriculture, and to the 
education of his large family. Still he was not 
neglectful of the public interests ; and, to the close 
of his life, with but few and short intervals, he con- 
tinued to discharge various and honorable trusts re- 
posed in him by his fellow citizens. He was a 
member of the convention which framed the state 
constitution of Kentucky, upon her admission into 
the union ; and also of the convention by which 
that constitution was revised. He served, for many 
years, in the state legislature, to the entire satisfac- 
tion of his constituents. It was his uniform rule to 
refuse offices of every description, except such as 
emanated directly from the people ; and their confi- 
dence he retained unshaken to the end of his life. 
Though he was of respectable parentage and connex- 
ions, he had no inheritance ; but, by a long course 
of industry and enterprize, he accumulated an ample 
fortune, sufficient to rear and educate a large num- 
ber of children, and give to each a handsome estate. 



8 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Such, and so pure, disinterested, energetic, useful, 
and unobtrusive, was the life of Col. Robert John- 
son, lie was one of those men who planted civili- 
zation, and civil and religious liberty, in the mag- 
nificent valley of the Ohio ; who gave an impulse 
to its agriculture, commerce, and general improve- 
ment, which will carry it to a height of prosperity 
and glory unrivalled in the world ; and who have 
left upon their descendants the indelible impress of 
their own exalted character. What nation or state 
of ancient or modern days, can boast of such found- 
ers as were the first settlers of Kentucky 1 They 
were brave, virtuous, and intelligent. They were 
fierce and daring in war, but in all the pursuits of 
peace, industrious and enterprizing ; free from reli- 
gious superstition, cant, and priestcraft ; but pure in 
their lives, benevolent in their dispositions, and 
rigidly just in all their transactions ; of unbounded 
devotion to liberty, but still abhorrent at licentious- 
ness. The sons of such sires cannot soon degene- 
rate. Long may they continue to present, as they 
do, to the country and to the world, illustrious ex- 
amples of public virtue and private worth. 

Justly appreciating the advantages of knowledge, 
Col. Johnson gave his children the best education 
which the literary institutions of Kentucky, then in 
their infancy, could afford. The means of classical 
education were, at that time, very limited ; but he 
omitted no exertions to impart to them such knowl- 
edge as would tend to enlighten their understand- 
ing and imbue their minds with virtuous and honor- 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 9 

able sentiments. The success of his endeavors 
demonstrates the wisdom of his course. Richard 
was the first of his sons who resolved to qualify 
himself for a learned profession. At the age of fif- 
teen, he accordingly left his father's house, in quest 
of advantages superior to those which were present- 
ed in that vicinity, and entered an excellent country 
school, where he acquired a grammatical knowledge 
of the English language and the rudiments of the 
Latin. From this seminary he went to the Tran- 
sylvania University, at Lexington, where he finished 
his classical and scientific course. While there, his 
industry was unremitted and his progress rapid. 

On leaving the University, he selected the pro- 
fession of the law, for his future pursuit ; and com- 
menced the study under that celebrated statesman 
and counsellor, Col. George Nicholas, but a few 
weeks before his death. On the decease of this 
gentleman, he placed himself under the direction of 
the Honorable James Brown, now of the State of 
Louisiana, and late a senator in Congress from that 
State, and since, an envoy and minister plenipoten- 
tiary from the United States to the court of France, 
but who was then a distinguished member of the 
bar in Kentucky. With this eminent citizen, who 
has been alike distinguished for eloquence, learn- 
ing, courtesy, and manly feeling, he finished his 
studies preparatory to the practice of the law. 

At the age of nineteen years, under the disad- 
vantages of a hurried education, he entered upon 
the arduous and responsible duties of his profession. 



10 BIOGRAPHY OF 

But if fortune had not favored him with all the ad- 
vantages which he would have desired, during his no- 
viciate, these deficiencies were amply made up by his 
characteristic industry and perseverance. An acute, 
discriminating mind furnished him, intuitively, with 
many valuable attainments in his profession, which 
most others acquire only by a long course of labori- 
ous investigation. The active energies of his mind 
immediately began to develope themselves, and his 
success surpassed the most sanguine expectations of 
his friends. But the qualities of his heart, which 
have since so much endeared him to the most vir- 
tuous portion of the community, were soon brought 
into more public notice. Many indigent, but hon- 
est citizens, were exposed to embarrassment and 
ruin, from tedious and expensive litigations with 
their artful and designing neighbors, especially in 
the clashing of land claims, an evil incident to most 
new settlements ; and as few are found to plead the 
cause of the poor, a disinterested friend must be to 
them an invaluable acquisition. Such a friend they 
found in Col. Johnson. His humanity and love of 
justice, would not suffer him to remain an idle spec- 
tator of injustice and oppression. Often he espous- 
ed the cause of the poor against the rich, without 
the least prospect of recompense ; and he was never 
known to withhold his professional aid, even in the 
most intricate and laborious cases, on account of 
the inability of the client to pay the fee. By this 
course, he secured to himself, without even a seem- 
ing ambition to gain it, the just reward of his vir. 



COLONEL JOHNSON. H 

tues, the approbation and esteem of his fellow citi- 
zens. 

He manifested an early fondness for the study of 
political economy, and of the science of govern- 
ment; and his reputation for attainments, as well 
as for integrity, brought him, at an early age, upon 
the theatre of public life. The citizens of Scott 
county elected him to represent them in the legisla- 
ture of Kentucky, more than a year before he had 
arrived at the age, designated in the constitution of 
that state, as a qualification for that office. But 
such was the confidence reposed in him, and such 
the anxiety of his fellow citizens to secure his ser- 
vices, that all inquiries concerning the qualification 
of age were suppressed, and he was elected almost 
by acclamation. As a member of the legislature, 
he acquitted himself to the entire satisfaction of his 
constituents. Having served two years in this sta- 
tion, he was called, by the voice of his fellow citi- 
zens, to a seat in the national legislature, as a more 
extensive theatre for the exercise of his useful abil- 
ities. At the age of twenty-four years, he was 
elected a representative in the Congress of the Uni- 
ted States ; and in October, 1807, when he had 
passed the age of twenty-five but a few weeks, he 
took his seat in that body, a short time after the 
memorable attack of the British frigate Leopard, 
upon the frigate Chesapeake. The whole country 
was thrown into a flame by this event ; and party 
politics became still more violent and excited. The 
politicians of that day were divided into two great 



12 BIOGRAPHY OF 

parties, denominated federalists and republicans ; 
though neither party would disclaim the denomina- 
tion of the other, both of right belonging to every 
real American. To the latter of these Col. John- 
son attached himself, not from a time-serving policy, 
but a fixed and uniform attachment to the principles 
of democracy, from which he never swerved. Nat- 
urally of an ardent disposition, he often engaged in 
the excited debates which then agitated the national 
councils ; but believing that many of the opposite 
party were governed by high sentiments of patriot- 
ism, and acted under honest convictions, he always 
carefully distinguished the measures which he op- 
posed from the men who were their advocates. In 
this course he obtained the confidence of all par- 
ties ; and even his warmest political opponents uni- 
versally esteemed him as a gentleman of strict in- 
tegrity and honor, both as a politician and a man. 
Immediately upon taking his seat in Congress, he 
was placed upon some of the most important com- 
mittees, to digest and prepare business for the whole 
body ; and in the discharge of this duty, his indus- 
try and discrimination soon became conspicuous. 
At the second session of his first term he was made 
chairman of the committee of claims. In this ca- 
pacity, an opportunity of more than ordinary inte- 
rest presented itself, for proving the liberality of his 
sentiments and the strength of his judgment. Gen- 
eral Alexander Hamilton, whose services and tal- 
ents will ever fill a conspicuous place in American 
history, had been more mindful of the fortunes of 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 13 

his country than of his own family ; and by his un- 
timely death, his amiable widow, with several chil- 
dren, were left with but scanty means of support. 
She was therefore constrained to appear before the 
government as a claimant, and to demand a partial 
remuneration for the services of her late husband, 
which he had never received, and which, had he 
lived, he would never have required. But General 
Hamilton had been identified with the federal party, 
which was now in the minority ; and justice, as is 
too often the case, was blinded by party zeal. The 
claim was referred to the committeepf which Col. 
Johnson was chairman. He investigated the sub- 
ject with his usual industry and care, and was fully 
satisfied with the justice of the claim. Contrary to 
the expectations of many, he brought into the house 
an able report, favorable to the claimant, which he 
vindicated in one of the most eloquent and argu- 
mentative speeches ever delivered in that body. 
Though yet but a youth in years, as well as legisla- 
tion, he fully equalled the highest expectations 
which would have been excited from the advanta- 
ges of age and experience. His mind, on this, as 
on all occasions, rose entirely superior to all the 
prejudice of party, and evinced a rigid adherence 
to justice, which he vindicated with a zeal and abil- 
ity that did honor both to his head and heart.. 
Though his labors were not at that time attended 
with the success which they merited, a subsequent 
Congress has allowed the claim which he then ad- 
2 



14 BIOGRAPHY OF 

vocated, after a debate in which he also had the 
satisfaction to bear a part. 

Congress, by law, had provided, that claims upon 
the government, if not presented within a limited 
time, should be forever barred on account of that 
neglect : which law obtained the name of " the 
statute of limitation ;" a statute, which, though 
beneficial in some cases, has operated in many in- 
stances to deprive the citizen of his just due, and 
the widow and fatherless of their righteous support. 
Col. Johnson was of opinion, that this rule, however 
wisely adapted to the liquidation of claims by ac- 
counting officers, ought not to be applied to the 
principles of legislation. The investigation of many 
claims, which disclosed the necessary causes of de- 
lay, so fully confirmed him in this sentiment, that 
he became weary with advocating a point which would 
not be conceded by the house. He was therefore, 
at his own request, left out of this committee, and 
placed, by the speaker, upon the committee of ways 
and means In this last committee, he bore an ac- 
tive part in the whole system of finance, which was 
resorted to for the carrying on of the war that fol- 
lowed, when the former sources of revenue were 
cut off, and the expenses of the government so 
greatly augmented. 

The course which he uniformly pursued, from 
the commencement of his congressional career, was 
so entirely conformed to the views of his imme- 
diate constituents, and the ability with which he 
acquitted himself, so universally acknowledged, that 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 15 

his popularity continued to increase with his experi- 
ence, till it became altogether unrivalled, not only 
in his own district, but throughout the whole state 
of Kentucky. Nor was his fame confined to his 
own state. Every part of the Union admired his 
talents, and revered his virtues. In every question 
of great national concern, he bore an interesting 
part in the debate ; and they who differed from him 
in point of policy, always acknowledged their con- 
viction of the sincerity of his intentions, and the 
utility of his objects. Though wise and good men 
often differ in views, as to the attainment of their 
desires, yet the grand ultimatum of every genuine 
patriot is one— the liberty and happiness of their 
country ; and not one of his political combatants, 
even in the most violent clashing of parties which 
this country ever witnessed, will deny that this was 
the darling object of Col. Johnson, 

From the time of his first entrance upon the 
national theatre, clouds were gathering around our 
horizon, and sometimes the political hemisphere 
seemed overspread with darkness. But no portend- 
ing calamity ever diverted him, for one single mo- 
ment, from that, course which he conceived to be 
most consistent with the independence and honor of 
his country. The storm at length came on. At 
the meeting of Congress, in the fall of 1811, the 
state of our foreign relations was such, that in the 
opinion of many, war with Great Britain was indis- 
pensable. All concurred in the sentiment that war 
was to be deprecated as a great national calamity ; 



16 BIOGRAPHY OF 

and that nothing but the preservation of our independ- 
ence, and protection of those rights which are its 
essential attributes, would justify a resort to that un- 
happy alternative. Col. Johnson was among those 
who were convinced that the time had now arrived 
when no other alternative remained. He therefore 
gave his entire support to all the preparatory meas- 
ures which the approaching crisis required ; with 
this determination, that unless Great Britain should 
recede from the ground which she had taken, in her 
repeated depredations upon our commerce, before 
the close of that session, he would give his voice for 
the last resort of nations — an appeal to arms. In 
June, 1812, war was declared by Congress; and for 
that declaration Col. Johnson gave his vote. 

This new state of things introduced him upon a 
theatre very different from any on which he had be- 
fore acted, and gave a fair occasion for the devel- 
opement of those powers which have been viewed 
with admiration by the world, and which, but for 
this event, might have remained dormant. He man- 
ifested no ambition to shine in the military annals of 
his country, nor to eclipse the splendor which might 
irradiate the brow of her heroes. But having given 
support to the measures which produced the crisis, 
the same patriotic ardor urged him to the field, 
where he might share, with his fellow citizens, the 
toils and dangers which the common cause demand- 
ed. His mind, which is naturally bold and intrepid, 
had been accustomed to danger in early childhood. 
While an infant, he w r as among the number of women 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 17 

and children in the fort at Bryan's station, when a fu- 
rious assault was made upon it by five hundred Indi- 
ans, and successfully defended by only thirty men. 
Dangers like these, which attended him continually 
in youth, had formed his mind to habits of peril, 
that made an impression never to be erased. His 
friends believed him to be possessed of military tal- 
ents, capable of elevating him to a rank among the 
first commanders of the day. But to this distinction 
he never aspired. Being honored with the entire 
confidence of his fellow citizens, in the national 
legislature, and persuaded that the issue of the eon- 
test, in a great measure, depended upon the firm- 
ness and decision of that body, he determined not. 
to enter the military service under the general gov- 
ernment, which would have required him to relin- 
quish his seat in Congress, but to perform such ser- 
vice as he might be able to render in the common 
cause, in no other capacity than that of a volunteer, 
under the laws of his own state. He had evinced 
a readiness to march to the call of his country, on 
a former occasion. When the Spanish Intendant, 
in 1802, closed against the United States the port 
of New Orleans, in violation of the existing treaty, 
a general excitement was produced throughout 
America, especially in the western states, and a 
war with Spain was strongly apprehended. On 
that occasion, Col. Johnson, then a youth, only 
in his twentieth year, volunteered his services, among 
many others, to pass down the western waters, and 
make a descent upon New Orleans, in case of a war 
2* 



18 BIOGRAPHY OF 

In a few days he enrolled a large company, and was, 
by their voice, chosen to the command. The set- 
tlement of this dispute with Spain suspended the 
necessity of the service. 

Very different was the result of the dispute with 
Great Britain. War being openly proclaimed in 
June 1812, the session of Congress, soon after was 
brought to a close ; when he hastened home where 
he arrived in July, an anxious spectator of passing 
events, till clouds of darkness began to thicken 
around the north western horizon. Gen. Hull, with 
a considerable force, composed principally of Ohio 
volunteers, had marched to Detroit, and thence 
passed over into Upper Canada, and raised the 
American standard at Sandwich. Suddenly the pros- 
pect of success was changed for that of disaster and 
disgrace. The army lost confidence in Gen. Hull 
as their commander; and the retrogression of his 
movements, the indecision of his conduct, together 
with the loss of time in availing himself of advanta- 
ges which had presented themselves, began to por- 
tend defeat and ruin to the whole army. No sooner 
had these rumors reached Kentucky, than Col John- 
son was roused to arms. In sixty days, duty. called 
him to his seat in Congress; but believing that the 
fate of the army would be determined in a short time, 
he resolved on repairing to the scene of danger, with 
as many of his neighbors as would unite with him 
in the undertaking, to meet the advancing foe. 
Isaac Shelby, Esq., then Governor of Kentucky, 
called a council of war to deliberate upon the meas- 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 19 

ures which ought to be taken for the relief of the 
army. Col. Johnson attended this council. It was 
agreed that Gen. Harrison, then Governor of Indi- 
ana, should take command of the Kentucky troops, 
which should be called out on the occasion, by vir- 
tue of the brevet rank of Major General conferred 
upon him by the Governor of Kentucky. Col. John- 
son offered his services to Gen. Harrison as a volun- 
teer aid, and asked leave to raise a volunteer corps 
of mounted men, to join him as soon as possible. 
This service was gratefully accepted, and the request 
granted. Col. Johnson immediately made an ap- 
peal to the patriotism of his fellow citizens in his own 
and the adjacent counties, and in a very short time 
a large battalion joined his standard, consisting of 
some of the most respectable citizens of Kentucky, 
and, in many instances, of veteran warriors, whose 
age and former toils had rendered them incapable of 
enduring the fatigue of long marches on foot. This 
kind of force, for rapid movements, in defending an 
extesive frontier, was esteemed a most valuable ac- 
quisition ; and this kind of service seemed to be the 
favorite of Col. Johnson. 

This Spartan band, for such it was sometimes 
called, was organized into three companies, under 
the command of Col. James Johnson, an elder bro- 
ther of Richard, Major John Arnold, and Capt. 
Charles Ward, men distinguished for their bravery 
and experience in Indian warfare, and long known 
as the genuine friends of liberty and their country. 
As the officers were chosen by the men, so mutual 



20 BIOGRAPHY OF 

confidence existed ; and all animated by the same 
spirit of patriotism, they formed one fraternal, one 
harmonious, one invincible band of heroes. 

On the eighth of September, 1812, they reached 
head quarters at St. Mary's, at which time the north 
western army was at the point of marching to the 
relief of Fort Wayne, then infested with five hun- 
dred Indians. In the mean time the calamity 
which had been feared was realized. Gen. Hull had 
surrendered his army to the British. Machinac had 
been given up, and Chicago abandoned by our troops. 
This battalion was now organized, and Col. Johnson 
elected to the command. He was always appointed 
to form a part of the front rank of the army, and per- 
formed his duty with such perfect satisfaction to the 
whole, as could not fail to inspire the highest confi- 
dence. The service was short, but very arduous, in 
their marches to Fort Wayne, Elkhart, and back to 
St. Mary's, where he arrived on the thirtieth Septem- 
ber. Here his force was augmented by a battalion 
of mounted volunteers, under command of Major 
Rossier; and being organized into a regiment by 
general order, Col. Richard M. Johnson was elect- 
ed to the command, at a time when the whole armv 
was under marching orders for Fort Defiance to 
the relief of the advance army under Gen. Winches- 
ter, which was threatened with an attack, by a supe- 
rior force of British and Indians. In the approach 
of the army to Fort Wayne, which was besieged by 
a superior force, Col. Johnson selected a party, un- 
der command of Major Suggett, a brave and distin- 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 21 

guished officer, for the purpose of penetrating to the 
fort, to advise the garrison of the advance of the ar- 
my to their relief, lest they might be induced to sur- 
render. This party met with about the same num- 
ber of the enemy, who had been sent to reconnoitre 
our army. After a severe skirmish, Suggett's party 
routed the enemy, and killed an Indian Chief. 
This gave great credit to the mounted regiment, and 
so animated the spirits of the whole army, that all 
became ardent for battle. The opportunity, howev- 
er, did not offer, before the service terminated for 
that season. After a very active campaign, for about 
fifty days, he returned to Kentucky, for the purpose 
of proceeding to Washington to take his seat in 

Congress. 

Although not much was done during this cam- 
paign, yet Col. Johnson gained much advantage 
from his improvement on the subject of military op- 
erations. From the commencement of hostilities, 
he, with his brother James, a hero of inestimable 
worth to his country, applied all his leisure mo- 
ments to the study of the military art, and this 
short campaign enlarged their views upon the sub- 
ject, by giving them practical knowledge of the po- 
lice of the camp, the order of march, the formation 
of the line of battle, and other important military 
evolutions, which were now become familiar. It 
also furnished fuel to that fire which the love of 
country had kindled in his bosom ; and by increas- 
ing his ardor for the contest, in which he conceived 
the honor and happiness of his country to be in- 



22 BIOGRAPHY OF 

volved, it probably contributed, in some measure, to 
the success of the following campaign, which termi- 
nated so beneficially to his country, and so glori- 
ously to himself. 

During the session of Congress which followed, 
1812-13, he matured and reduced to writing, the 
plan of a winter campaign against the Indians, and 
submitted it to the President of the United States 
for consideration. The President referred it to 
Gen. Harrison, a major general in the service of 
the United States, and high in the confidence of the 
country, for his opinion thereon. Gen. Harrison 
approved the plan, except as to time, believing that 
the winter would be less favorable to the object 
than a milder season, but recommended that it 
should be undertaken in the summer. In conse- 
quence of this, the President determined that the 
plan should be put to the test of experiment the fol- 
lowing season. Accordingly, Gen. Armstrong, then 
secretary ol war, authorized Col. Johnson to organ- 
ize, and hold in readiness, a regiment of one thou- 
sand mounted volunteers, the officers to be commis- 
sioned by the Governor of Kentucky, after the men 
should be enrolled. On the adjournment of Con- 
gress, in March, 1813, he hastened home, for the 
accomplishment of his object. 

The little service he had performed, had raised 
the highest confidence in his military skill, and 
this, with his general popularity, ensured the most 
complete success to his undertaking. In a few 
weeks his regiment was filled with citizens of the 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 23 

most respectable character, for morality, bravery, and 
fortune. A very considerable proportion were pro- 
fessors of the Christian religion ; and while in ser- 
vice, except on forced marches, meetings for prayer 
and religious exercises were held in the camp, al- 
most every evening, as well as on the Sabbath. 
The officers, as on the former occasion, being elect- 
ed by the men, were persons of the highest merit, 
enjoying the entire confidence of the regiment. 
Soon after the regiment was organized, with Col. 
Johnson at its head, and his brother James, a gen- 
tleman of equal merit, for his lieutenant colonel, 
Governor Shelby, of Kentucky, received intelligence 
that Col. Dudley, at the head of a detachment of 
the Kentucky militia, under Gen. Green Clay, had 
been defeated opposite Fort Meigs, on the Miami of 
the Lakes; that Fort Meigs was besieged by a large 
force of British regulars and Indians; and that im- 
mediate aid was necessary In demanding succors 
of Governor Shelby, many letters spoke of the 
mounted regiment, under Col. Johnson, in terms of 
the highest confidence ; and the general desire ap- 
peared to be, that he should march forthwith to the 
relief of Fort Meigs, and the defence of the frontier 
of Ohio, which was then much exposed to the rava- 
ges of the Indians. His former services on that 
frontier, had given him character as a young officer 
of uncommon enterprize. The Governor of Ken- 
tucky, at the request of Col. Johnson, permitted 
him to collect his regiment, then scattered over 
a considerable territory, and march to the scene 



24 BIOGRAPHY OF 

where his suffering country called. At his own ex- 
pense, which was never an object with his generous 
mind, the companies and parts of companies were 
notified to rendezvous at two points; and in ten 
days, the whole regiment, in complete readiness, 
was under marching orders for the frontier of Ohio. 

Here commenced that attention to order and 
good conduct, which marked the whole service of 
the corps — here commenced that attention to milita- 
ry discipline, which united the regiment as one man 
in the day of battle, when it fought and conquered 
double its number. 

From this moment, its labors were unremitted ; 
the usefulness of its services, extensive; and the suc- 
cess of its undertakings, unrivalled. It formed a 
complete bulwark to the frontier of Ohio, which had 
been exposed to the merciless havoc of the toma- 
hawk and scalping knife. Continually exposed to 
the toils of forced marches ; or, when resting for a 
moment, engaged in skirmishes with the enemy, 
and making inroads upon him, their exercises were 
so severe that more than five hundred horses were 
lost in the campaign ; yet, such was their vigilance 
in providing supplies, that they never suffered any 
material inconvenience on account of the loss. The 
regiment soon acquired a name that attracted the 
admiration of the country, and induced numbers to 
leave their homes and follow it; so that, although 
their loss was considerable, in fatigues and skir- 
mishes, yet their number was fully as great on the 
day of the celebrated battle of the Thames, as the 






COLONEL JOHNSON. 25 

day they marched from Kentucky. Lieut. Col. 
James Johnson, whose military talents, intrepidity, 
and decision, would have entitled him to a general 
command, was doubtless of great benefit to his 
brother, in the discipline and order of the regiment, 
and the annals of America will award to him the 
full share of glory to which this little band acquired. 
He was constantly engaged in the discipline of the 
regiment ; and through their united efforts, together 
with all the officers, it might challenge comparison 
with any corps that was ever organized, for perfec- 
tion and discipline and order. Nor was their disci- 
pline that of despotic power on the one side, and 
degrading submission on the other. It was that of 
choice. The officers never forgot that the men 
were their brothers and their equals ; nor did the 
men lose the spirit of independence, while they 
yielded a willing obedience to the officers of their 
own choice. In this harmony of concert did they 
move on to victory and glory. The Colonel, almost 
every day, addressed the men upon the righteous- 
ness of their cause, the necessity of determined 
volor, and the advantages both to themselves and 
country, which would be derived from success ; all 
of which he was well qualified to do, in a manner 
that could not fail to bring into action every latent 
power of the soul. Chicago, the River Raisin, and 
Fort Meigs, witness the utility of their movements, in 
their excursions into the heart of the enemy's lines. 
The splendid victories of the American Navy were 
frequent topics of conversation, and often brought to 
3 



26 BIOGRAPHY OF 

view, by the Col. and his brother, as examples wor- 
thy of imitation ; and by unanimous vote they agreed 
that when ever they should come to battle each one 
would do his best endeavor to bring it to a close in 
thirty minutes, and that they would die like brothers 
at the side of each other, or share the victory. In 
the day of trial their resolution was not forgotten. 

In their march towards Detroit, an express was re- 
ceived from Gen. Clay, commanding Fort Meigs, so 
called in honor of the patriotic Governor of Ohio, 
giving information of the approach of a large body of 
the enemy, whom he expected to surround the Fort 
before succors could arrive. Col. Johnson immedi- 
ately set out with his regiment to their relief, by 
forced marches, being about fifty miles distant. As 
they drew near, in expectation of a bloody conflict, 
the Col. drew up his men, and in an animated har- 
angue, seemed to infuse new vigor into their souls. 
He told them that in a little time they would be op- 
posite Fort Meigs, when they should probably find the 
enemy, in superior numbers, occupying the only 
ground that would answer for an encampment ; that 
they must now come to the determined resolution of 
breaking through the lines of the enemy, with their 
inferior force, or to die in the attempt; that no 
thought of retreat must be indulged ; and he who was 
not fully resolved on victory or death, must immedi- 
ately separate himself from the army. " The tide of 
fortune," said he " must now be turned in our favor, 
and Kentucky must no longer mourn the fall of her 
gallant sons, but in the arms of victory." To this 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 27 

address the regiment, as with one voice, proclaimed 
their entire accordance, and re-echoed, with three 
cheers, the sentiments of their commander. The 
march was resumed ; and having advanced fifty 
miles in one day, they encamped opposite the Fort 
the same night, the enemy not having made his ap- 
pearance. 

Col Johnson, knowing that the efficiency of his 
regiment depended much upon arrangements to pro- 
vide against unforseen and unavoidable contingen- 
cies, was careful to have active and enterprising offi- 
cers continually employed in the interior procuring 
horses, and receiving such volunteer recruits as were 
disposed to unite their destinies with those of his 
command; and such was the favorable result of this 
timely precaution, that he carried with him into bat- 
tle a thousand effective men, all well mounted, 
though they had lost about five hundred horses, dur- 
ing the campaign. 

But we should not omit to notice that at this time, 
while he was leading his Spartan band to victory and 
glory, an extra session of Congress was convened, to 
deliberate upon the means, and devise the proper 
measures for successful prosecution of the war. As 
a representative, duty called him to the councils of 
the nation ; but as a citizen in arms, resolved to 
maintain his country's rights, it urged him to the 
field of battle. Many of his friends, and all his po- 
litical opponents, desired him to return from the pur- 
suit of the enemy, or resign his seat in Congress. 
He was not insensible to the critical situation in 



28 BIOGRAPHY OF 

which he was placed. He saw that he was the fav- 
orite of the regiment; and to leave his command, at 
that juncture would be highly injurious. Knowing 
that the session of Congress would be short; that if 
he should resign he would displease most of his best 
friends, and without a possibility of their electing 
another representative to take his seat before the 
close of the session, he resolved, in accordance with 
the minds of a great majority of his constituents, 
neither to resign his seat in Congress, nor to leave 
his regiment till the close of the campaign. To this 
determination, he was influenced from the consider- 
dtion that our arms had been unsuccessful in the 
north, and that more than ordinary exertions were 
necessary to check the triumph of the enemy, to 
counteract the disasters which had been experienced, 
and to rescue from danger the glory of the nation 
and character of its prowess. 

As the crisis of the north western army approach- 
ed, Col. Johnson, with his regiment, having effect- 
ed the object of his march to Fort Meigs, pursued 
his way towards Detroit. Gov. Shelby had already 
crossed over into Canada at Portage, with a large 
volunteer force of Kentucky militia, while Col John- 
son, with his regiment, continued his march upon 
this side of the line, with the view of guarding the 
country more effectually against savage depredations. 
When within a few miles of Lake Erie, the joyful 
news was announced of a signal victory gained by 
Commodore Perry, with the squadron under his com- 
mand, over the whole British force on that Lake; by 



COLONEL, JOHNSON. 29 

which the way was now opened to the invasion of 
Canada. These welcome tidings filled every bosom 
with rapture. A glow of enthusiasm shone upon 
every countenance, and the heavens were rent with 
acclamations of joy. If this auspicious event opened 
an easy access into Canada, it was no less propi- 
tious to the military ardor of the whole army. Gen. 
Harrison, the commander in chief, was with Gov. 
Shelby; while Col. Johnson, with his regiment, alone 
was upon the American side, performing a long and 
hazardous march, exposed to the attacks of Indians 
in double numbers, that might, without difficulty, 
cross over from Maiden and attack him by surprise. 
The manner in which this march was performed re- 
flects much credit upon his military talents. His 
regiment consisted of eleven hundred men. One 
company of about one hundred men had been de- 
tached to escort provisions, and was dismounted, 
and crossed over with Gen. Harrison at Portage. 
He formed out of his regiment six companies to act 
as artillerists and march at the head of four charg- 
ing columns, with four six pounders that he had tak- 
en with him from Fort Meigs. At night he en- 
camped in a hollow square, with his field pieces at 
the four corners, placed in such position as to be 
able to rake ali the lines. During the whole of the 
service of this regiment, his camp was always forti- 
fied, and when in any apprehension of danger, was 
effectually secured against surprise. In this order 
he reached Detroit, without suffering an attack, or 
meeting with any occurrences worthy of note. On 
3* 



30 BIOGRAPHY OF 

his arrival at Detroit, orders were given him to cross 
the river into Canada in pursuit of Gen. Proctor, 
who was on the retreat. On the first of October he 
crossed over from Detroit ; and on the third came up 
to the rear of the enemy. A continued skirmish 
was kept up with them, for two days previous to the 
decisive engagement; during which time he left the 
body of his regiment under Lieut. Col. James John- 
son, to be kept in constant order for battle ; while 
he was himself with a reconnoitering party haras- 
sing the rear of the enemy, and making his move- 
ments. The number of British regulars, under Gen. 
Proctor, could not then be ascertained, nor the num- 
ber of Indians who acted with them; but it was evi- 
dent that the American force, under Gen. Harrison 
and Gov. Shelby, consisting of part of a regiment of 
regulars, and principally of Kentucky volunteer mi- 
litia, was greater than that of the enemy. The 
British and Indians however were retreating into 
their own country, where their numbers were contin- 
ually augmenting; and without the aid of mounted 
men, it was impossible to bring them to battle. To 
effect this object Col. Johnson, with his reconnoiter- 
ing party, pressed continually upon them, till they 
were forced to make a stand. From a videt whom 
he made a prisoner at that fortunate moment, and 
whom he accused of being a spy, but promised to 
sv.*e on the condition of his giving a faithful account 
of the numbers and position of the enemy, he 
learned that the British regulars, between seven and 
eight hundred in number, were drawn up in a line 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 31 

from the river Thames on their left to a narrow 
swamp, impassible except at particular points, run- 
ning parallel with the river at a distance of nearly a 
hundred yards from its margin ; that, on the right of 
the regulars, west of this swamp, were lying in am- 
bush about fifteen hundred Indians, under the com- 
mand of that celebrated Indian warrior, Gen. Te- 
cumseh. Thus, advantageously posted, it appeared 
evidently the design of the enemy, if the mounted 
regiment should attack and force them to retreat, for 
the Indians to fall upon their rear and cut them off 
from the main army, which was three or four miles 
back. Col. Johnson lost no time in communicating 
to Gen. Harrison the information he had thus ob- 
tained. The General, confiding in the valor of the 
mounted regiment to sustain the combat till the 
whole army could be brought up, gave immediate or-" 
ders for the regiment to divide, and at the same mo- 
ment charge the regulars on horseback, and the In- 
dians in their own manner of warfare. Never was 
an order more wisely given, or more perfectly exe- 
cuted. Satisfied, from the many trials which had 
been made in the training of the regiment to this 
kind of exercise, they would succeed in this novel 
method of charging, and believing that no other ex- 
pedient would be effectual to prevent a retreat be- 
fore the whole force could be brought to bear upon 
the enemy, and at the same time defeat his object of 
bringing the Indians upon their rear, the order for a 
simultaneous attack, and in the manner in which it 



32 BIOGRAPHY OF 

was executed, reflects immortal honor upon the 
General. 

In obedience to this order, Col. Johnson divided 
his regiment. Finding a point at which he could 
pass the swamp, he with one half moved on to at- 
tack the Indians, leaving his brother, Lieut. Col. 
James Johnson, with the other half, to lead the 
charge against the regulars; and that both might be 
simultaneous, the sound of a trumpet was to annouce 
to the Lieut. Col. the moment when the Col. was 
ready for the conflict. The battalion under the 
Lieut. Col. moved regularly on till within about a 
hundred yards distance of Gen. Proctor's regulars, 
where they waited the signal for attack. To draw 
from the enemy their fire, Major Suggett, at the 
head of about a hundred men, dismounted and ad- 
vanced within about forty yards of the enemy, giving 
orders that when the trumpet from beyond the 
swamp should sound, each man should deliberately 
present and fire at the enemy. This order was 
strictly obeyed, and the fire was most effectual. It 
drew from the enemy a hasty fire, which proved per- 
fectly harmless. The charge was instantaneously 
made by the mounted battalion, moving in full speed 
and with a universal shout, which carried consterna- 
tion and dismay through all the ranks of the enemy, 
breaking through his line, and proving a destructive 
fire upon his rear. Gen. Proctor, and a few dra- 
goons, made their escape by flight, and all the re- 
mainder of his army surrendered. This was effec- 
ted, with a force far inferior, without the loss of a 






COLONEL JOHNSON. 33 

single man. The charge was led by the intrepid, 
the persevering Lieut. Col. James Johnson, whom 
no dangers could dismay, no obstacles discourage; 
and the men whom he commanded were worthy of 
such a leader. 

The task of Col. Richard M. Johnson was still 
more hazardous ; for he had Tecumseh for his com- 
batant, with a force three times more numerous 
than his own. As he advanced against the Indi- 
ans, who, according to their custom, were concealed 
from view by lying in the grass and bushes, and be- 
hind trees, he selected twenty men, with whom he 
advanced a few rods in front of the main body, to 
bring on the battle without exposing the whole to 
the first fire of the Indians. While thus advancing, 
they received the fire of their savage enemies, and 
nineteen of the twenty fell, leaving but one man of 
that number, besides the Colonel, to pursue the 
charge. This shot brought the Indians from their 
ambush. He immediately ordered his men to dis- 
mount, and advance to the combat. The order was 
promptly obeyed : the Col. only remained mounted. 
A dreadful conflict ensued. In the midst of this 
scene of slaughter, the Colonel, still moving forward 
into the midst of the Indians, observed one who 
was evidently a commander of no common order. 
His gallantry was unrivalled, and his presence in- 
spired a confidence among his followers, equal to 
what might have been expected from an Alexander. 
He was a rallying point for the Indians, and where 
he stood they were impregnable. Col, Johnson did 



34 BIOGRAPHY OF 

not know the man ; but observing his intrepidity, 
and the effect which his example had upon the oth- 
ers, and knowing the great superiority of their num- 
bers, he considered it necessary to despatch him, in 
order to secure the victory. The Colonel had al- 
ready received four wounds, and was greatly weak- 
ened by the loss of blood. His horse also had been 
so wounded as to be unable to move faster than a 
w 7 alk. He could not approach the chief in a right 
line, on account of the trunk of a very large tree, 
which was lying before him. He therefore rode 
round the head of the tree, which was at his right, 
and turning his horse directly towards the chief, ad- 
vanced upon him. At the distance of a few yards, 
the Colonel's horse stumbled, but, providentially, 
did not entirely fall. This gave the Indian the first 
notice of his approach; who instantly leveled his rifle 
at the Colonel, and gave him another wound, the 
severest which he received in the battle. He did not 
however fall, but continued his movement towards 
the Indian till he came so near that the Indian was 
raising a tomahawk to strike him down. The Col. 
had a pistol in his right hand, charged with a ball 
and three buckshots, which he had held against his 
thigh, so that the Indian had not discovered it. This 
chief was arrayed in the habiliments of war, clad 
in the richest savage attire, and his face painted 
with alternate circular lines of black and red, from 
the eye downward, which increased the natural fe- 
rocity of his savage countenance, and apparently 
indifferent to every danger which awaited him, 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 35 

seemed confident of his victim : and as he raised 
his tomahawk, with a fierce look of malicious pleas- 
ure, 

" Grinned horribly a ghastly smile." 

At this moment the Colonel raised his pistol, and 
discharging its contents into the breast of the Indi- 
an chief, laid him dead upon the spot. The Indians 
near him, filled with consternation on seeino- their 
commander fall, raised a horrid yell and instantly 
fled. The Colonel, covered with wounds, twenty- 
five balls having been shot into him, his clothes and 
his horse, was unable any longer to act, but was 
taken from the battle ground faint, and almost life- 
less. The battle at that point was ended, except in 
pursuing the retreating foe ; though in other parts 
of the line it continued for a considerable time, till 
the main body of the army drew so near as to send 
a reinforcement to the left wing of the battalion, 
when the retreat of the Indians became universal. 
This was one of the most glorious victories of the 
war. The battalion under Col. Johnson consisted 
of about five hundred men ; the number of the sav- 
ages was not less than fifteen hundred. The Indi- 
ans chose their own manner of fighting ; and it was 
in close contest, each man being stained with the 
blood of his victim by means of their nearness. 
The number of killed and wounded of Johnson's 
battalion was about fifty. That of the Indians 
could not be ascertained, as they are in the habit of 
carrying off as many of their dead as possible. 



36 BIOGRAPHY OF 

Eighty were found lying upon the field, besides 
many others slain in the pursuit, and borne away 
by those who escaped. 

The effects of this victory were also as salutary 
as its achievement was glorious. It put a complete 
period to the war upon the northwestern frontier, 
and ended the cruel murders that had been so fre- 
quently perpetrated in those regions, in which fe- 
male tenderness and helpless infancy had been the 
common victims of savage barbarity. 

No sooner had the battle ended, than it was dis- 
covered by those of the regiment who were viewing 
the scene of horror which the battle ground pre- 
sented, that the Indian whom the Colonel had slain 
was, in all probability, the celebrated Tecumseh ; 
and before the Colonel had so far revived as to be 
able to speak, the tidings ran through the camp, 
that he had killed Tecumseh. This was for some, 
time undisputed ; but whether envy or honest doubt 
led to a denial of the fact, is neither certain nor 
important, yet it afterwards became a subject of dis- 
pute whether it was Tecumseh that he slew. Some 
of the circumstances, which confirm the fact, shall 
here be noted. It is known that Tecumseh was 
killed in this battle, and that the person whom Col. 
Johnson killed was a chief warrior. It is also 
known that but one other chief was killed, in any 
way answering to the description given of this per- 
son, and that he, a brother-in-law to Tecumseh, was 
killed in another part of the battle. Several per- 
sons who were in the battle, and who were perfectly 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 37 

indifferent to the hand by which he fell, have avered 
to the writer of this, that Tecumseh was found dead 
upon the very spot where Col. Johnson killed this 
chief; and that a medal was taken from that body, 
which was known to have been presented to Te- 
cumseh by the British Government. Anthony 
Shane, a celebrated Indian warrior, who is partially 
civilized, is a man of high character for honor and 
integrity, and has been the uniform friend of the 
United States : he was at the Thames at the time 
of battle, and had been intimately acquainted with 
Tecumseh from early childhood. The writer of 
this inquired of Shane, what he knew of the death 
of Tecumseh. He answered, that immediately af- 
ter the battle of the Thames was ended, he went to 
the spot where several of the men had seen Col. 
Johnson kill an Indian commander, and there he 
saw Tecumseh lie dead upon the ground ; that he 
examined his body, and observed that he must, have 
been killed by a person on horseback, for a ball 
and three buck shot were shot into his breast, and 
the ball passed through his body and came out at 
the lower part of his back. While looking at the 
body, he was asked if he was certain it was Te- 
cumseh. Shane told them he was certain, for he 
had known him from childhood, and that if they 
would examine his thigh they would discover a re- 
markable scar, occasioned by the misfortune of Te- 
cumseh having his thigh broken many years before; 
that, on examining, they found the scar as he had 
described. Shane knew this person to be Tecum- 
4 



38 BIOGRAPHY OF 

sell, and his body was found where Col. Johnson 
had killed an Indian commander. He was killed 
by a person on horseback ; and Col. Johnson was 
the only person in that part of the battle who fought 
on horseback. He was shot with a ball and three 
buckshot ; and the pistol with which Col. Johnson 
shot the Indian chief was charged with a ball and 
three buckshot. These circumstances establish the 
fact beyond all reasonable doubt, and as conclusively 
as any historical fact can be established, that Col. 
Johnson, in this chivalrous act, slew Tecumseh, and 
delivered his country from the most courageous, the 
most hostile, the most skilful, and the most terrific 
savage foe that America ever had. His enmity was 
like that of Hannibal to the Romans, and his arm 
not less powerful; but before the unconquerable 
spirit of Johnson he fell, and terror fled from the 
habitations of the frontiers. 

The war in that quarter being now ended, the 
army, after a few days' respite, took up its march 
towards their own homes ; but Col. Johnson, whose 
wounds for a considerable time rendered his recov- 
ery very doubtful, was unable to continue with his 
regiment. He was brought to Detroit by water, 
where, after nine days confinement, he found him- 
self strengthened to such a degree as to commence 
his journey homeward, upon a bed prepared for him 
in a carriage. After a distressing journey, in which 
he endured, with a characteristic fortitude almost 
peculiar to himself, the most excruciating sufferings, 
he reached his own home in Kentucky in the early 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 39 

part of November. His recovery was very gradual ; 
but the condition of the country being such as de- 
manded the united wisdom and energies of all her 
legislators, and not only his immediate constituents, 
but the most devoted patriots of every part of the 
union, shewing a solicitude to see him once more 
at his post, as a representative of the heroes who 
had just been his companions in victory and in suf- 
fering, he was anxious to take his seat in Congress 
before the close of the session, which commenced 
about that time. Accordingly, about the last of 
January following, before he had yet been able to 
walk out of his own door, he set out for the seat of 
government, a journey of six hundred miles, with 
none but a faithful servant to accompany him. In 
February, 1814, he reached Washington, where he 
received the most cordial salutations of every mem- 
ber of the government. His political opponents, 
deeply sensible of his sincerity, his patriotism, and 
his valor, cordially united, assigning him the meed 
of honor. 

The country was still involved in war, and there 
was no prospect of a speedy close of hostilities. 
The treasury was exhausted, and armies could 
neither be raised nor supported without money. 
The opposition which existed in the public councils 
against the measures of -the government, became 
still more clamorous, and seemed for a time to in- 
crease in strength. The disasters which had attend- 
ed our military operations at other points, had 
almost disheartened the defenders of the country, 



40 _ BIOGRAPHY OF 

and contributed greatly to the difficulty of making 
new enlistments. Our naval victories had indeed 
procured immortal glory to that branch of the ser- 
vice ; but, to prosecute the war to a successful ter- 
mination, it was necessary that something important 
should be done upon the land ; and every eye was 
directed to the measures which Congress might 
adopt. At such a crisis, nothing could have been 
more fortunate for the country than the victory of 
the Thames, and the app'earance again in Congress 
of Col. Johnson, whose conduct and gallantry had 
so eminently contributed to that happy event, pro- 
duced a sensation of universal delight. The dark 
cloud which then lowered, was viewed by him with 
calmness. To despondency he was a stranger ; and 
his mind, in the greatest exigencies which ever pre- 
sented themselves, always rose with the occasion, 
and seemed to acquire new strength for the devel- 
opment of its resources. Conscious of the righ- 
teousness of his country's cause, he never for a mo- 
ment doubted that, under the direction of Heaven, 
the contest would ultimately result in the success of 
that side where justice was. In this confidence, he 
again entered upon the duties of legislation, with a 
determination to pursue the undeviating course, 
which, in his opinion, would most effectually con- 
tribute to this desirable end. His voluntary servi- 
ces in the field, and the scars of honor which he 
bore, increased the weight of his council ; and in 
all the subsequent measures which gave energy to 
the war, he bore an active and an influential part. 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 41 

In August, 1814, the enemy had made a sudden 
incursion into the country ; and before a sufficient 
force could be collected to repel the invasion, they 
reached the capital, burned the public offices, and 
by forced marches effected their retreat. Congress 
met the following month ; and the occasion was 
seized upon by some who were unfriendly to the 
measures of the government, with others who had 
never been gratified in the location of the seat of its 
capital, to bring forward a proposition for its removal. 
Col. Johnson took an active and decisive stand 
against the proposition. He regarded it as not in- 
volving the question of elegibility as to its location, 
but whether we should be compelled to abandon it 
by the success of the enemy. Under such circum- 
stances, it was impossible for him to hesitate as to 
the course which policy dictated. Though prudent 
in all his movements, he never could be persuaded 
for a moment that prudence, under any circumstan- 
ces, would justify a course calculated to increase the 
exultation of the enemy, much less to give them a 
triumph which they did not even claim. The 
measure was happily defeated. Col. Johnson then 
brought forward the motion to inquire into the caus- 
es of the capture of Washington, and was appointed 
chairman of the committee to whom the investiofa- 
tion was confided. In the discharge of the dutv 
which this business involved, he was indefatigable 
in his labors, and successful in his efforts to present 
the whole subject before the American public and 

the world, which was done in an elaborate report 

4* 



42 BIOGRAPHY OF 

drawn up by himself, presenting a valuable docu- 
ment for the future historian. 

The taking of Washington was the termination of 
success on the part of the enemy. From that mo- 
ment, defeat attended all their movements. Col. 
Johnson had never for a moment doubted the ulti- 
mate result of an appeal to arms \ and now that suc- 
cess was evidently attendant on all our efforts, he 
did not in the least degree relax his exertions to 
bring the war to a speedy and successful termina- 
tion. Ministers at Ghent in Flanders, were engaged 
in negotiations for peace ; but no certain issue could 
be predicted, and Col. Johnson acted uniformly 
upon the principle which he had prescribed to him- 
self as the most safe, never to make any calculation 
but for the most vigorous prosecution of the war, till 
peace should be actually proclaimed. He had 
brought forward in Congress a proposition for the 
employment of volunteer militia, to an indefinite 
amount, for carrying on the war with the greatest 
possible vigor in the territory of the enemy ; which, 
had the war continued, would probably have dis- 
membered the British empire of at least one of its 
American provinces before the close of another cam- 
paign ; and at the same time given to the world far- 
ther demonstration of his military prowess. But 
while this measure was maturing, in February, 
1815, peace was proclaimed. 

Nothing remained important to be done during 
this session, but to fix the military peace establish- 
ment in providing for the disbanding of the army. 






COLONEL JOHNSON. 43 

On this point, a great diversity of opinion existed in 
Congress and in the nation. At the commencement 
of the war the nation was without an organized ar- 
my : its conclusion witnessed the possession of a 
highly disciplined and effective one. The policy of 
disbanding the great body of this army, which had 
been raised and instructed in the art of war at such 
great sacrifice, was doubted by many. On the other 
hand, it was urged, that a large army in time of 
peace was not a sure defence against the danger 
which another war would bring; that it would pre- 
sent a strong obstacle to the restoration of the na- 
tional credit, by continual pressure upon its pecuni- 
ary resources, and at the same time prevent the most 
effectual means of protection, by absorbing the funds 
which might otherwise be appropriated to fortifica- 
tions and other permanent measures of defence. 
Col. Johnson was found among those who support- 
ed the latter proposition, and gave his vote for a 
reduction of the army to the smallest number pro- 
posed, which was six thousand. The policy which 
he advocated, was to restore public credit by replen- 
ishing the treasury — to encourage patriotic sacri- 
fices in future emergencies, by a righteous remuner- 
ation for the past — to prepare for future ruptures 
by a graduel increase of the navy, by fortifications, 
by procuring ample supplies of imperishable mu- 
nitions — and to retain no greater military force than 
was necessary to keep these munitions in a proper 
condition for use, and to preserve the practical 
knowledge of military science. This policy has at 



44 BIOGRAPHY OF 

length fully prevailed ; and the whole nation seems 
now convinced of its wisdom. 

Having determined the policy which should reg- 
ulate his future legislative acts, he never deviated 
from it. For all these measures, which have at 
length so happily prevailed, he never failed to give 
his vote ; and to his support their success is in no 
small degree to be ascribed. Nor is it a small part 
of his felicity, that this policy, in many respects, was 
most congenial to the liberality of his soul. The 
war had deprived many families of their guardians; 
and when the return of peace brought joy and glad- 
ness to the abodes of freedom, that joy was damped 
by the tears of the widow — that gladness was inter- 
rupted by the orphan's cry. But the widow and the 
orphan found in Col. Johnson a substantial friend. 
If he had braved the dangers of the field for their 
protection ; if he had mingled his blood with that 
of their dying husbands and fathers, his generous 
heart was now as ready to mingle its sympathies 
with them in their sorrows; and that hand which 
had dealt out destruction to their enemies was now 
employed to wipe their tears. He took a leading 
part in all those measures which were adopted by 
Congress to provide pensions for the widows and 
children of those who had perished in the war, and 
to make remuneration for property sacrificed in the 
country's cause. These measures have done more 
honor to the nation than all the victories which were 
gained — they have effectually rebutted the calumny 
of ingratitude, which has been poured upon repub- 









COLONEL JOHNSON. 45 

lies with such a lavish hand. They were origina- 
ted by Col. Johnson ; and by his persevering support, 
they were carried through. Their wisdom was 
doubted by some, lest they should impoverish the 
nation ; but he regarded them as acts of justice and 
never doubted that justice is the foundation of true 
wisdom, and the most permanent rock of safety on 
which a nation can establish its policy. He al- 
ways rejoiced in a national prosperity; but was nev- 
er desirous of a splendid fabric, cemented by the 
orphan's groan or the widow's tear. He pleaded 
their cause in the national council, with the elo- 
quence of feeling — an eloquence which the hearts of 
the brave could not withstand— success attended his 
efforts, and upon his head rests the blessing of the 
widow and the fatherless. 

With equal success he advocated the measure 
which was brought forward to provide for the indi- 
gent survivors of the soldiers of the revolution. In 
a speech which he delivered on that occasion, he 
broke out in a strain of eloqence which deeply affect- 
ed every heart, and drew the tear of commiseration 
from many an eye. As he concluded, a statesman 
was heard to say " that speech will cost the nation 
a million of dollars." But the money was not lost to 
the nation. It was applied to the payment of a debt 
of gratitude; and without diminishing the nation's 
wealth, to facilitate the declining years of those to 
whom the nation, under the direction of Divine 
Providence, owes its existence. 



46 BIOGRAPHY OF 

No trait is more prominent in the character of 
Col. Johnson, than his untiring industry. He never 
defers what can be done at the present moment. 
The dull delays, which are common to deliberate 
bodies, had become so habitual to Congress, that a 
protracted session would close, and leave much im- 
portant business unfinished. To remedy this evil, 
he conceived the expedient of providing by law for 
compensating members of Congress by an annual 
stipend, in lieu of the compensation per diem, the 
method which had always before been observed. 
After advising with several others upon the subject, 
he brought forward in the House of Representa- 
tives, the proposition, which passed both Houses of 
Congress, providing that the annual compensation 
to each Representative and Senator should be $1500, 
without regard to the period of each session. This 
law was passed in December, 1815 ; and from the 
general excitement which it produced, obtained the 
name of the celebrated compensation law. It pro- 
duced the effect contemplated by its mover ; for be- 
fore the close of that session, Congress disposed of 
every subject before them, and, for the first time 
since the formation of the government, adjourned 
without having any unfinished business. But the 
measure was not approved by the great mass of the 
American people. This was the first, and the only act 
of Col. Johnson's political life, that gave displeasure 
to his constituents. His sole object was the accom- 
plishment of the public business, and the effect jus- 
tified his expectation in this point ; but complaint 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 47 

ran through the country, of the prodigality of Con- 
gress, in lining their own purses from the public 
treasury. No person who knew the liberality of 
Col. Johnson, suspected for a moment that parsimo- 
nious motives actuated him ; but he was the father 
of the measure, and it was unpopular. The ex- 
citement, though in a great degree artificial, was 
strong and general. On this occasion, the fairest 
opportunity that had ever occurred, presented itself, 
to effect his political overthrow. A cloud for a mo- 
ment gathered over him, and threatened his defeat. 
At the ensuing election, a candidate was brought 
forward to oppose him, whose talents were highly 
respectable, and to whose political principles no ex- 
ception could be taken. Many, who had on all former 
occasions given him their cordial support, now, 
for the moment, forsook him. He met the question 
with his usual firmness, and openly discussed it with 
his opponent, at every election poll in his district. 
On one of these occasions, finding himself in the 
midst of those who disapproved the measure, though 
most of them had been his companions in danger, 
and were reluctant to abandon him, he exclaimed, 
while addressing them, "Admitting this measure to 
be as injurious as some represent it ; if you owned 
a rifle which had never missed fire — if with it you 
had shot a hundred deer and twenty of your coun- 
try's enemies — but on one unfortunate occasion it 
should miss fire, would you throw it away ? or would 
you pick the flint and try it again V " Stop there," 
interrupted a veteran warrior, " stop there — Do you 






48 BIOGRAPHY OF 

admit it to be a snap V* "A snap/ 5 answered the 
Colonel. " Then," replied he, amid the shouts of 
the people, — " then we will pick the flint and try 
the old rifle again." Here the Colonel ceased, and 
the company in a body moved onward to the poll, 
and gave him their vote. He was re-elected by a 
majority of nearly a thousand votes over his oppo- 
nent. This was one of the most honorable triumphs 
of his life. But few who voted for the law were re- 
elected, and in no state did the excitement run 
higher than in Kentucky. Col. Johnson had been 
the mover of the law, and yet such was their affec- 
tion for him, such their confidence in his principles 
and talents, that the great body of the people would 
not — could not forsake him. Nor did he disappoint 
that confidence. At the next session of Congress, 
he brought forward the motion for its repeal ; alleg- 
ing as his reason, that the people whom he served 
were not favorable to its operation, and to their sov- 
ereign will he had ever deemed it his duty, as their 
representative, to bow. The law was repealed, the 
excitement had subsided, and he was, if possible, 
more than reinstated in their confidence and affec- 
tions. 

His re-election to Congress seems to have been a 
providential interference, for the political salvation 
of one of the greatest men of the age. Gen. An- 
drew Jackson, who had, with the undisciplined vol- 
unteers of the west, achieved the most brilliant vic- 
tories in the war, both among the savages and over 
the veterans of Lord Wellington, had been subse- 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 49 

quently employed to protect the defenceless frontier 
of the south against the Seminole Indians, a large 
and warlike tribe, lying upon the borders of Georgia 
and Florida. He had completely defeated them, by 
pursuing them even into Pensacola, the capital of 
Florida, where they had fled for promised protection 
from the Spanish Governor, and had executed two 
British emissaries, who were proved to have been 
the prime instigators of the savages to the many 
cruel murders which they had committed. The- 
conduct of Gen. Jackson in this campaign, was 
made a subject of Congressional inquiry, and Col. 
Johnson was the chairman of the committee to 
whom it was referred. It was generally conceded 
that Gen. Jackson's operations were of the most 
salutary effect, and that no other course could have 
proved permanently beneficial. The Indians had 
but an artificial line to cross to enter the Spanish 
territory, where protection was afforded them ; and 
without invading that territory, nothing effectual 
could be done. But its legality was questioned by 
some. The instigators of the savages were not 
American citizens, and the legal rgiht to punish them 
was also denied by many. The committee, after an 
investigation of the documents in this case, deter- 
mined, by a majority of their number, to report 
against Gen. Jackson. In this decision Col. John- 
son did not concur, and refused to draw up, or pre- 
sent their report. While another member of the 
committee was doing this, Col. Johnson prepared a 
counter report, giving a luminous view of the whole 
5 



50 BIOGRAPHY OF 

subject, and shewing facts, .which led to the irresist- 
ible conclusion, that Gen. Jackson's conduct was 
not worthy of censure. This document is unques- 
tionably among the ablest state papers which the 
archives of the nation can boast. When the report 
of the committee was presented to the House of 
Representatives, this counter report was presented 
by Col. Johnson, who moved that it should be re- 
ceived as a substitute for that of the majority of the 
committee. The ability with which it was drawn, 
the perspicuous light in which the subject was ex- 
hibited, and the conclusion to which it so naturally 
conducted the mind, were obvious to the great ma- 
jority of the house. A discussion ensued, which 
brought forth the ablest talents of the nation. 
Mr. Clay, then the presiding officer of the house, 
and whose eloquence was unrivalled, took the lead in 
opposition to Gen. Jackson, and Col. Johnson took 
the lead in his support. The eloquence of Clay 
was more than counterbalanced by the strength of 
argument, and pathetic appeal to the heart, by Col. 
Johnson. The counter report was sustained by the 
house, and by a considerable majority adopted as a 
substitute for that which the committee had report- 
ed. This was among the happiest acts of Col. 
Johnson's life. By his laborious research and per- 
severing attention, the subject was so presented as 
to shew to the house the true character of the Gen- 
eral's measures ; and to this act, under the provi- 
dence of Heaven, the nation is indebted for the 
preservation of that great man's reputation from a 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 51 

shade which might forever have obscured his vir- 
tues and his fame. 

During this session, Col. Johnson, wearied with 
the turmoils of public life, resolved upon retirement. 
He saw his country prosperous and happy ; her 
character respected abroad, and the great principles 
of liberty and independence established upon a basis 
which promised perpetuity. His labors had been 
unremitted, and his course singularly successful. 
But he had never changed. The same sentiments 
which had actuated him in his entrance upon public 
life, he was now about to carry with him into retire- 
ment. 

Congress had publicly acknowledged his services 
in the field, and by a joint resolution of both houses, 
presented him a sword. He had served his constit- 
uents for twelve successive years, as their represen- 
tative in Congress, and voluntarily retired in 1819, 
honored by the whole nation, and happy in the best 
wishes of those who had so long sustained him. 

But his own native state, of which he had become 
almost the idol, would not suffer him to enjoy the 
retirement which he sought. He was immediately 
selected to represent the county in which he resid- 
ed, in the legislature of the state, and he could not 
resist their call. He had but just taken his seat in 
the legislature, when that body elected him to the 
Senate of the United States. This was in Decem- 
ber, 1819, and though retirement was his object in 
withdrawing from the house of representatives, this 
renewed expression of the wishes of his fellow citi- 



52 BIOGRAPHY OF 

zens was not to be resisted. He accordingly re- 
paired to the seat of the general government, and 
took his seat before the close of that month ; and 
having been subsequently unanimously re-elected, 
there remains a demonstration of their continued 
confidence. 

Col. Johnson has ever considered all men by 
nature equal ; and that in forming rules for the gov- 
ernment of society, each member of that society is 
entitled to an equal voice. In the representative 
system, which grows out of necessity in a populous 
community, this principle can only be preserved by 
an immediate responsibility, which will check the 
disposition, so common in man, to exercise despoti- 
cally that power which he only holds in trust. The 
obligation of the representative to obey the will of 
his constituents, is therefore a settled principle with 
him, and ought to be regarded as a political axiom 
by every republican. The independent sovereignty 
of the individual states, he has regarded as the 
safest repository of the people's rights, and has ever 
viewed, with a jealous eye, any act of the general 
government which threatened to invade that sove- 
reignty, beyond the exercise of powers expressly 
delegated by the states. The federal judiciary, 
which is a body independent of the states and of the 
people, had assumed a prerogative highly dangerous 
to the sovereignty of the states — that of declaring 
their laws unconstitutional, and therefore of no 
force. He was of the opinion, that this authority 
had never been delegated by the federal compact, 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 53 

and safety required that it should be arrested. He 
therefore brought forward in the senate a proposi- 
tion so to amend the constitution of the United 
States, as that the federal judiciary should be de- 
clared to have no power to declare that state laws 
were unconstitutional, without an appeal to the Uni- 
ted States senate, where the sovereignty of each 
state is equally represented, and where such ques- 
tions might therefore be safely settled. This prin- 
ciple he defended in one of the ablest speeches that 
he ever delivered ; and which, for clearness and 
soundness of argument, has seldom been equalled 
by any of our statesmen. An unwillingness, how- 
ever, to touch the judiciary, which, from the preju- 
dice derived from our British ancestors, we are 
taught so highly to venerate, prevented the proposi- 
tion from succeeding. 

His next great effort was directed to a subject, on 
which humanity and justice are most potent advo- 
cates ; the subject of imprisonment for debt. In 
contemplating the legal establishment of the coun- 
try, in which his mind always reverts to primitive 
principles, from which their present design and util- 
ity are naturally brought to view, the inquiry natur- 
ally arose, why are prisons erected T Man is fond 
of liberty, and nature designed him to be free. Why 
then should he be deprived of its enjoyment 1 If 
the safety of society requires his confinement, pris- 
ons should be built ; but no man can be justly im- 
prisoned, unless his freedom is dangerous to society. 
If the lion or the tiger is exhibited to man, a cao-e 
5* 



54 BIOGRAPHY OF 

is necessary to secure man from his ferocity. If a 
man is a murderer or a thief, the safety of society 
will justify his confinement. But is this the only 
use to which prisons are appropriated 1 No : they 
are the habitations of the innocent victims of mis- 
fortune. Men who may enjoy society with safety, 
are found to constitute the most numerous class of 
the inhabitants of prisons. The philanthropy of 
Howard is celebrated and admired by all the world ; 
and his noblest acts consist in his visiting prisons ; 
not to encourge crime, by diminishing its punish- 
ments, but by extenuating the miseries of the unfor- 
tunate. If these were the proper objects of com- 
misseration, and their relief justly excited the admi- 
ration of a nation, why should a nation sanction the 
system which rendered that commiseration neces- 
sary 7 Let the prison doors be unbarred, and they 
are relieved by their own efforts. May not the leg- 
islature of the nation, then, by one act, do more 
than many Howards 1 Thoughts like these so pow- 
erfully operated upon the mind of Col. Johnson, 
that he boldly, ventured to encounter the long estab- 
lished prejudice of the world, by proposing the en- 
tire abolition of imprisonment for debt. The prop- 
osition, at first, found but few advocates. It was 
novel. The prejudice of ages was against it. The 
despotic feelings of the wealthy were against it. 
Every creditor, desiring authority over his debtor, 
was opposed to it ; and the cry of the needy, who, by 
long oppression, was almost taught to believe that 
oppression was righteous, seemed too feeble to be 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 55 

heard. But for Col. Johnson, it was always suffi- 
cient to know that misery existed ; and without 
waiting for the supplicating cry of the wretched to 
penetrate his ear, he was ready to raise his voice 
and his hand to remove it. A deputation of Indi- 
ans, visiting the interior of the states, was led by 
direction of the government through some of our 
populous cities, with the hope that, seeing the effects 
of civilization, they might learn its advantages, and 
induce their tribes to make it their choice. When 
looking into a prison, and inquiring the cause of the 
confinement of the different prisoners, they were 
informed that the persons in one apartment were 
there for debt. An aged chief shrunk back with 
indications of horror, exclaiming, "There is no 
beaver there." He left the place with disgust, de- 
nouncing the habits of the white men, because they 
shut one another up in prison for debt, where they 
could neither provide for themselves nor pay their 
creditors. A custom which untaught savages must 
reprobate, because it inflicts misery without benefit- 
ing society, and renders the unfortunate more un- 
fortunate, without a solitary benefit to any, could 
not remain unheeded by Col. Johnson, whatever op- 
position his generous efforts might have to endure. 
He defended his proposition in a speech of consider- 
able length ; which, for strength of argument, depth 
of research, and perspicuity of thought, enforced by 
the most powerful appeal to the noblest sensibilities 
of the heart, is seldom equalled. He commanded 



56 BIOGRAPHY OF 

universal attention, and, before the close of the ses- 
sion, had the felicity to find that many were enlisted 
with him in the same cause. His speech was pub- 
lished through all parts of the country, and pro- 
duced an excitement in favor of the measure, which 
the whole nation felt. He received letters from 
every section of the Union, approbating his course, 
and soliciting him to persevere. He entertained no 
hope of effecting its passage in one year. Ancient 
and deep rooted prejudices were to be eradicated, 
and much selfishness subdued. His success, how- 
ever, exceeded his anticipation, and encouraged him 
to renew the proposition at the next session. He 
had pondered the subject well, and in another 
speech, not inferior to his first, he again brought to 
view the cause of righteousness and humanity, and 
exposed the principles of liberty in a manner that 
did equal honor to his head and heart. In the sec- 
ond attempt, he found more support than in the for- 
mer. Some of the best statesmen and most eloquent 
orators in the nation, united with him in support of 
the measure. Though yet unsuccessful, it produced 
a salutary effect upon the victims of misfortune. 
Imprisonments for debt became more seldom in the 
different partsof the country, and the prison bounds 
were extended to whole counties. The current of 
public opinion is evidently changing, and no doubt 
remains that he will be ultimately successful. The 
measure requires a change which time only can pro- 
duce ; and he still manifests the determination never 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 57 

to suffer the subject to rest, till prisons shall be used 
for none but culprits. 

Col. Johnson having been engaged in the war 
against the Indians, was led to a deep consideration 
of their character and condition. He has ever re- 
garded them as the deluded instruments of their civ- 
ilized allies ; and though compelled in his country's 
defence to draw the sword, his heart melted with 
pity while he punished their cruelties. As soon as 
the war had ended, his mind was employed in de- 



vising the most effectual method of civilizing and re- 
forming them. He took the lead in a society which 
was formed for their benefit, and caused a school to 
be established near his own home for the instruction 
of their youth. The prevailing sentiment had been, 
that the plan of establishing schools in their own 
country would be most likely to effect the object; 
but, on this point, Col. Johnson entertained strong 
doubts. Believing that, from the depravity of human 
nature, there is a stronger propensity in man to turn 
from the civilized to the savage, than from the sav- 
age to the civilized state, and having witnessed some 
awful examples of the fact, he entertained the opin- 
ion that, to produce the desired change, it would be 
necessary to bring their youth into the midst of civ- 
ilized society, where example and habit would en- 
force the precepts which should be given them. 
Therefore, while he gave full support to one establish- 
ment among them, he was anxious also that trial 
should be made of, at least, one among the whites, 



/ 



58 BIOGRAPHY OF 

The first attempt failed for want of proper aid. But 
his effort had given him the confidence of the In- 
dians, and bore full conviction to their minds that 
he was their friend. In a treaty subsequently en- 
tered into with the Choctaws, provision was made 
for the annual expenditure of a considerable sum of 
money under the direction of government, for the 
education of their youth. After the ratification of 
the treaty, the Indians signified to the agent a desire 
to send their young men among the whites to be in- 
structed, provided they might be placed under the 
guardianship of Col. Johnson, whom they selected, 
without his knowledge, as the friend of the Indians. 
The government acceded to their wishes; and Col. 
Johnson, in compliance with their solicitation, per- 
mitted the establishment to be located on his own 
farm. This establishment is called the Choctaw 
Academy. It is under the direction of a clergyman 
recommended by Gol. Johnson, and appointed by 
the government. The Choctaws at first sent but a 
small number of their youth; but learning on trial 
the advantages of their situation, they have increas- 
ed the number to nearly a hundred ; and other Indi- 
an nations are now anxious to place their youth at 
the same school. It was the name of Col. Johnson 
which drew them there, and they all regard him as 
their benefactor. 

If the faithful and disinterested discharge of eve- 
ry trust committed to a man, returns a recompense 
of reward into the bosom of the philanthropist — if 



COLONEL JOHNSON. 59 

the alleviation of misery and the augmentation of 
happiness, in others, is a rich luxury to the gener- 
ous mind, Col. Johnson, while loved by his friends 
revered by his country, honored by the world, enjoys 
in his own heart the highest attainment of sublunary 
bliss. 



COL. JOHNSON'S REPORTS, 



tN THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, ON THE SUNDAY 

MAID Q.UESTION. 



FIRST REPORT. 



In the Senate of the United States, January 19, 1829, 
Mr. JOHNSON, of Kentucky, made the following Re- 
port : — 

The Committee to whom ivas referred the several Petitions 
on the subject of Mails, on the Sabbath, or first day of 
the week, report — 

That some respite is required from the ordinary 
vocations of life, is an established principle, sanctioned 
by the usages of all nations, whether Christian or Pa- 
gan. One day in seven has also been determined upon 
as the proportion of time; and, in conformity with the 
wishes of a great majority of the citizens of this coun- 
try, the first day of the week, commonly called Sunday, 
has been set apart to that object. The principle has re- 
ceived the sanction of the national legislature, so far as 
to admit a suspension of all public business on that day, 
except in cases of absolute necessity, or of great public 
utility. This principle the committee would not wish to 
disturb. If kept within its legitimate sphere of action, 
no injury can result from its observance. It should, 
however, be kept in mind, that the proper object of 



APPENDIX. Gl 

government is to protect all persons in the enjoyment 
of their religious as well as civil rights; and not to de- 
termine for any, whether they shall esteem one day 
above another, or esteem all days alike holy. 

We are aware that a variety of sentiment exists 
among the good citizens of this nation, on the subject 
of the Sabbath day ; and our government is designed 
for the protection of one, as much as of another. The 
Jews, who, in this country, are as free as Christians, 
and entitled to the same protection from the laws, de- 
rive their obligation to keep the Sabbath day, from the 
fourth commandment of the decalogue, and, in con- 
formity with that injunction, pay religious homage to 
the seventh day of the week, which we call Saturday. 
One denomination of Christians among us, justly cele- 
brated for their piety, and certainly as good citizens as 
any other class, agree with the Jews in the moral obli- 
gation of the Sabbath, and observe the same day. 
There are also many Christians among us, who derive 
not their obligations to observe the Sabbath from the 
decalogue, but regard the Jewish Sabbath as abrogated. 
From the example of the Apostles of Christ, they have 
chosen the first day of the week, instead of that set 
apart in the decalogue, for their religious devotions. 
These have generally regarded the observance of the 
day as a devotional exercise, and would not more rea- 
dily enforce it upon others than they would enforce se- 
cret prayer or devout meditations. Urging the fact that 
neither their Lord, nor his disciples, though often cen- 
sured by their accusers for a violation of the Sabbath, 
ever enjoined its observance ; they regard it as a sub- 
ject on which every person should be fully persuaded 
in his own mind, and not coerce others to act on his 
persuasion. Many christians, again, differ from these, 
6 



62 APPENDIX. 

professing to derive their obligation to observe the Sab- 
bath from the fourth commandment of the Jewish dec- 
alogue, and bring the example of the apostles, who ap- 
pear to have held their public meetings for worship on 
the first day of the week, as authority for so far chang- 
ing the decalogue, as to substitute that day for the 
seventh. The Jewish government was a theocracy, 
which enforced religious observances ; and though the 
committee would hope that no portion of the citizens 
of our country would willingly introduce a system of 
religious coercion in our civil institutions, the example 
of other nations should admonish us to watch carefully 
against its earliest indications. 

With these different religious views, the committee 
are of opinion that Congress cannot interfere. It is not 
the legitimate province of the legislature to determine 
what religion is true, or what false. Our government 
is a civil, not a religious institution. Our constitution re- 
cognizes, in every person, the right to choose his own 
religion, and to enjoy it freely, without molestation. 
Whatever may be the religious sentiments of citizens, 
and however variant, they are alike entitled to protec- 
tion from the government, so long as they do not invade 
the rights of others. 

The transportation of the mail on the first day of the 
week, it is believed, does not interfere with the rights of 
conscience. The petitioners for its discontinuance, ap- 
pear to be actuated by a religious zeal, which may be 
commendable, if confined to its proper sphere ; but 
they assume a position better suited to an ecclesiasti- 
cal, than to a civil institution. They appear, in many 
instances, to lay it down as an axiom, that the practice 
is a violation of the law of God. Should Congress, in 
their legislative capacity, adopt the sentiment, it would 



APPENDIX. 63 

establish the principle that the legislature is a proper 
tribunal to determine what are the laws of God. 

It would involve a legislative decision in a religious 
controversy; and, on a point in which good citizens- 
may honestly differ in opinion, without disturbing the 
peace of society, or endangering its liberties. If this 
principle is once introduced, it will be impossible to de- 
fine its bounds. Among all the religious persecutions 
with which almost every page of modern history is 
stained, no victim ever suffered, but for the violation of 
what government denominated the law of God. To 
prevent a similar train of evils in this country, the con- 
stitution has wisely withheld from our government the 
power of defining the divine law. It is a right reserved 
to each citizen, and while he respects the equal rights 
of others, he cannot be held amenable to any human 
tribunal for his conclusions. 

Extensive religious combinations, to effect a political 
object, are, in the opinion of the committee, always dan- 
gerous. This first effort of the kind, calls for the estab- 
lishment of a principle, which, in the opinion of the 
committee, would lay the foundation for dangerous in- 
novations upon the spirit of the constitution and upon 
the religious rights of the citizens. If admitted, it may 
be justly apprehended 'that the future measures of gov- 
ernment will be strongly marked, if not eventually con- 
trolled, by the same influence. All religious despotism 
commences by combination and influence ; and, when 
that influence begins to operate upon the political instU 
tutions of a country, the civil power soon bends under 
it ; and the catastrophe of other nations furnishes an 
awful warning of the consequences. 

Under the present regulations of the post office de- 
partment, the rights of conscience are not invaded, 



64 APPENDIX. 

Every agent enters voluntarily, and, it is presumed, 
conscientiously, into the discharge of his duties, without 
intermeddling with the conscience of another. Post 
offices are so regulated, as that but a small proportion 
of the first day of the week is required to be occupied 
in official business. In the transportation of the mail, 
on that day, no one agent is employed many hours. 
Religious persons enter into the business, without vio- 
lating their own conscience, or imposing any restraints 
upon others. Passengers in the mail stages are free to 
rest during the first day of the week, or to pursue their 
jouroies at their own pleasure. While the mail is trans- 
ported on Saturday, the Jew and the Sabbatarian may 
abstain from any agency in carrying it, from conscien- 
tious scruples. While it is transported on the first day 
of the week, another class may abstain, from the same 
religious scruples. The obligation of government is the 
same to both these classes ; and the committee can dis- 
cover no principle on which the claims of one should 
be more respected than those of the other, unless it 
should be admitted that the consciences of the minority 
are less sacred than those of the majority. 

It is the opinion of the committee, that the subject 
should be regarded simply as a question of expediency, 
irrespective of its religious bearing. In this light, it 
has, hitherto, been considered. Congress have never 
legislated upon the subject. It rests, as it ever has done, 
in the legal discretion of the postmaster general, under 
the repeated refusals of Congress to discontinue the 
Sabbath mails. His knowledge and judgment, in all 
the concerns of that department, will not be questioned. 
His immense labor and assiduity, have resulted in the 
highest improvement of every branch of his depart- 
ment. It is practised only on the great leading mail 



APPENDIX. 65 

routes, and such others as are necessary to maintain 
their connexion. To prevent this, would, in the opin- 
ion of the committee, be productive of immense injury, 
both in its commercial, political, and in its moral bear- 
ings. 

The various departments of government require, fre- 
quently, in peace, always in war, the speediest inter- 
course with the remotest parts of the country; and one 
important object of the mail establishment is, to furnish 
the greatest and most economical facilities for such in- 
tercourse. The delay of the mails one day in seven, 
would require the employment of special expresses, at 
great expense, and sometimes with great uncertainty. 

The commercial, manufacturing, and agricultural in- 
terests of our country, are so intimately connected, as 
to require a constant and most expeditious correspond- 
ence between all seaports, and between them and the 
most interior settlements. The delay of the mails dur- 
ing the Sunday, would give occasion to the employment 
of private expresses, to such an amount, that probably 
ten riders would be employed, where one mail stage is 
now running, on that day ; thus diverting the revenue 
of that department into another channel, and sinking 
the establishment into a state of pusillanimity, incom- 
patible with the dignity of the government of which it 
is a department. 

Passengers in the mail stages, if the mails are not per- 
mitted to proceed on Sunday, will be expected to spend 
that day at a tavern upon the road, generally under cir- 
cumstances not friendly to devotion, and at an expense 
which many are but poorly able to encounter. To ob- 
viate these difficulties, many will employ extra carriages 
for their conveyance, and become bearers of correspond- 
ence, as more expeditious than the mail. The stage 
6* 



66 APPENDIX. 

proprietors will themselves often furnish the travellers 
with those means of conveyance ; so that the effect will 
ultimately be only to stop the mail, while the vehicle, 
which conveys it, will continue, and its passengers be- 
come the special messengers for conveying a consider- 
able proportion of what would, otherwise, constitute 
the contents of the mail. 

Nor can the committee discover where the system 
could consistently end. If the observance of holydays 
becomes incorporated in our institutions, shall we not 
forbid the movement of an army ? prohibit an assault in 
time of war? and lay an injunction upon our naval 
officers to lie in the wind upon the ocean on that day ? 
Consistency would seem to require it. Nor is it certain 
that we should stop here. If the principle is once es- 
tablished, that religion, or religious observances, shall be 
interwoven with our legislative acts, we must pursue it 
to its ultimatum. We shall, if consistent, provide for 
the erection of edifices for the worship of the Creator, 
and for the support of christian ministers, if we believe 
such measures will promote the interests of Christianit) 7 . 
It is the settled conviction of the committee, that the 
only method of avoiding these consequences, with their 
attendant train of evils, is to adhere strictly to the spirit 
of the constitution, which regards the general govern- 
ment in no other light than that of a civil institution, 
wholly destitute of religious authority. 

What other nations call religious toleration, we call 
religious rights. They are rjot exercised in virtue of 
governmental indulgence, but as rights, of which gov- 
ernment cannot deprive any portion of her citizens, 
however small. Despotic power may invade those 
rights, but justice still confirms them. Let the national 
legislature once perform an act which involves the de- 



APPENDIX. 67 

cision of a religious controversy, and it will have passed 
its legitimate bounds. The precedent will then be es- 
tablished, and the foundation laid, for that usurpation of 
divine prerogative in this country, which has been the 
desolating scourge to the fairest portions of the world. 
Our constitution recognizes no other power than that 
of persuasion, for enforcing religious observances. Let 
the professors of Christianity recommend their religion 
by deeds of benevolence — by christian meekness — by 
lives of temperance and holiness. Let thern combine 
their efforts to instruct the ignorant — to relieve the 
widow and the orphan — to promulgate to the world the 
gospel of the Saviour, recommending its precepts by 
their habitual example : government will find its legiti- 
mate object in protecting them. It cannot oppose them, 
and they will not need its aid. Their moral influence 
will do infinitely more, to advance the true interests of 
religion, than any measure which they may call on 
Congress to enact. 

The petitioners do not complain of any infringement 
upon their own rights. They enjoy all that christians 
ought to ask at the hand of any government — protec- 
tion from molestation in the exercise of their religious 
sentiments. 

Resolved, That the committee be discharged from the 
further consideration of the subject. 



SECOND REPORT. 



In the House of Representatives of the United States, 
March 4, 1830, Mr. JOHNSON, of Kentucky, made 
the following Report : — 

The Committee on Post Offices and Post Roads, to ivhom 
the Memorialists tvere referred for prohibiting the trans- 
portation of the Mails, and the opening of Post Offices, 
on Sundays, report — 

That the memorialists regard the first day of the 
week as a day set apart by the Creator for religious ex- 
ercises ; and consider the transportation of the mail, 
and the opening of the post offices, on that day, the viola- 
tion of a religious duty, and call for a suppression of the 
practice. Others, by counter memorials, are known to 
entertain a different sentiment, believing that no one 
day of the week is holier than another. Others, holding 
the universality and immutability of the Jewish deca- 
logue, believe in the sanctity of the seventh day of the 
week, as a day of religious devotion ; and by their me- 
morial, now before the committee, they also request 
that it may be set apart for religious purposes. Each 
has hitherto been left to the exercise of his own opin- 
ion ; and it has been regarded as the proper business of 
government to protect all, and determine for none. But 
the attempt is now made to bring about a greater 
uniformity, at least, in practice ; and, as argument has 



APPENDIX. 69 

failed, the government has been called upon to inter- 
pose its authority to settle the controversy. 

Congress acts under a constitution of delegated and 
limited powers. The committee look in vain to that 
instrument, for a delegation of power, authorizing this 
body to inquire and determine what part of time, or 
whether any, has been set apart by the Almighty for 
religious exercises. On the contrary, among the few 
prohibitions which it contains, is one that prohibits a 
religious test ; and another, which declares that Con- 
gress shall pass no law respecting an establishment of 
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. The 
committee might here rest the argument, upon the 
ground that the question referred to them does not 
come within the cognizance of Congress ; but the per- 
severance and zeal with which the memorialists pursue 
their object, seems to require a further elucidation of 
the subject. And, as the opposers of Sunday mails dis- 
claim all intention to unite church and state, the com- 
mittee do not feel disposed to impugn their motives ; 
and whatever may be advanced in opposition to the 
measure, will arise from the fears entertained of its fatal 
tendency to the peace and happiness of the nation. 
The catastrophe of other nations, furnished the framers 
of the constitution a beacon of awful warning, and 
they have evinced the greatest possible care in guarding 
against the same evil. 

The law, as it now exists, makes no distinction as to 
the days of the week, but it is imperative that the post 
masters shall attend at all reasonable hours, in every day, 
to perform the duties of their offices; and the post mas- 
ter general has given his instructions to all post masters, 
that, at post offices, where the mail arrives on Sunday, 
the office is to kept open one hour, or more, after the ar- 



70 



APPENDIX. 



rival and assorting the mail ; but in case that would in- 
terfere with the hours of public worship, the office is to 
be kept open for one hour after the usual time of dis- 
solving the meeting. This liberal construction of the 
law does not satisfy the memorialists. But the commit- 
tee believe that there is no just ground of complaint, un- 
less it be conceded that they have controlling power 
over the consciences of others. If congress shall, by 
the authority of law, sanction the measure recommen- 
ded, it would constitute a legislative decision of a relig- 
ious controversy, in which even Christians themselves 
are at issue. However suited such a decision may be to 
an ecclesiastical council, it is incompatible with a re- 
publican legislature, which is purely for political, and 
not religious purposes. 

In our individual character, we all entertain opinions, 
and pursue a corresponding practice, upon the subject 
of religion. However diversified these may be, we all 
harmonize as citizens, while each is willing that the oth- 
er shall enjoy the same liberty which he claims for him- 
self. But in our representative character, our individu- 
al character is lost. The individual acts for himself; 
the representative for his constituents. He is chosen to 
represent their political, and not their religious views — 
to guard the rights of man ; not to restrict the rights of 
conscience. Despots may regard their subjects as their 
property, and usurp the divine prerogative of prescribing 
their religious faith. But the history of the world fur- 
nishes the melancholy demonstration that the disposi- 
tion of one man to coerce the religious homage of anoth- 
er, springs from an unchastened ambition, rather than a 
sincere devotion to any religion. The principles of our 
government do not recognize in the majority, any au^ 
thority over the minority, except in matters which re» 



APPENDIX. 71 

gard the conduct of man to his fellow man. A Jewish 
monarch, by grasping the holy censer, lost both his 
sceptre and his freedom ; a destiny as little to be envied, 
may be the lot of the American people, who hold the 
sovereignty of power, if they, in the person of their rep- 
resentatives, shall attempt to unite, in the remotest de- 
gree, church and state. 

From the earliest period of time, religious teachers 
have attained great ascendency over the minds of the 
people ; and in every nation, ancient or modern, whether 
Pagan, Mahometan, or Christian, have succeeded in the 
incorporation of their religious tenets with the political 
institutions of their country. The Persian idols, the 
Grecian oracles, the Roman auguries, and the modern 
priesthood of Europe, have all, in their turn, been the 
subject of popular adulation, and the agents of political 
deception. If the measures recommended should be 
adopted, it would be difficult for human sagacity to fore- 
see how rapid would be the succession, or how numer- 
ous the train of measures which might follow, involving 
the dearest rights of all — the rights of conscience. It is, 
perhaps, fortunate for our country that the proposition 
should have been made at this early period, while the 
spirit of the revolution yet exists in full vigor. Relig- 
ious zeal enlists the strongest predjudices of the human 
mind ; and, when misdirected, excites the worsts pas- 
sions of our nature, under the delusive pretext of doing 
God service. Nothing so infuriates the heart to deeds 
of rapine and blood ; nothing is so incessant in its toils; 
so persevering in its determination; so appalling in its 
course; or so dangerous in its consequences. The 
equality of rights secured by the constitution, may bid 
defiance to mere political tyrants: but the robe of sanc- 
tity too often glitters to deceive. The constitution re- 



72 



APPENDIX. 



gards the conscience of the Jew as sacred as that of the 
Christian; and gives no more authority to adopt a meas- 
ure affecting the conscience of a solitary individual, 
than that of a whole community, That representative 
who would violate this principle, would lose his delega- 
ted character, and forfeit the confidence of his constitu- 
ents. If congress shall declare the first day of the 
week holy, it will not convince the Jew nor the Sabba- 
tarian. It will dissatisfy both ; and, consequently, con- 
vert neither. Human power may extort vain sacrifices ; 
but deity alone can command the affections of the heart. 
It must be recollected that in the earliest settlement of 
this country, the spirit of persecution which drove the 
pilgrims from their native home, was brought with them 
to their new habitations ; and that some Christians were 
scourged, and others put to death, for no other crime 
than dissenting from the dogmas of their rulers. 

With these facts before us, it must be a subject of 
deep regret that a question should, be brought before 
congress, which involves the clearest privileges of the 
constitution, and even by those who enjoy its choicest 
blessings. We should all recollect that Cataline, a pro- 
fessed patriot, was a traitor to Rome ; Arnold a profess- 
ed whig, was a traitor to America; and Judas, a pro- 
fessed disciple, was a traitor to his divine master. 

With the exception of the United States, the whole 
human race, consisting, it is supposed, of eight hundred 
millions of rational beings, is in religious bondage; and, 
in reviewing the scenes of persecution which history 
every where presents, unless the committee could be- 
lieve that the cries of the burning victim, and the flames 
by which he is consumed, bear to heaven a grateful in- 
cense, the conclusion is inevitable that the line cannot 
be too strongly drawn between church and state. If a 



APPENDIX. 73 

solemn act of legislation shall, in one point, define the 
law of God, or point out to the citizen one religious du- 
ty, it may, with equal propriety, proceed to define every 
part of divine revelation; and enforce every religious ob- 
ligation, even to the forms and ceremonies of worship ; 
the endowment of the church, and the support of the 
clergy, 

It was with a kiss that Judas betrayed his divine mas- 
ter, and we should all be admonished — no matter what 
our faith may be, that the rights of conscience cannot be 
so successfully assailed, as under the pretext of holiness. 
The Christian religion made its way into the world in 
opposition to all human governments. Banishment, 
tortures, and death, were inflicted in vain to stop its 
progress. But many of its professors, as soon as clothed 
with political power, lost the meek spirit which their 
creed inculcates, and began to inflict on other religions, 
and on dissenting sects of their own religion, persecu- 
tions more aggravated than those which their own apos- 
tles had endured. The ten persecutions of Pagan em- 
perors, were exceeded in atrocity, by the massacres and 
murders perpetrated by christian hands ; and in vain 
shall we examine the records of imperial tyranny for 
an engine of cruelty equal to the holy inquisition. *■ Ev- 
ery religious sect, however meek in its origin, com- 
menced the work of persecution as soon as it acquired 
political power. The framers of the constitution recog- 
nized the eternal principle, that man's relation with his 
God is above human legislation, and his rights of con- 
science unalienable. Reasoning was not necessary to 
establish this truth ; we are conscious of it in our own 
bosoms. It is this consciousness which, in defiance of 
human laws, has sustained so many martyrs in tortures 
and in flames. They /eft that their duty to God was 
7 



74 APPENDIX. 

superior to human enactments, and that man could ex- 
ercise no authority over their consciences; it is an 
inborn principle, which nothing can eradicate. 

The bigot, in the pride of his authority, may lose 
sight of it— but strip him of his power ; prescribe a 
faith to him which his conscience rejects ; threaten him 
in turn with the dungeon and the faggot— and the spirit 
which God had implanted in him, rises up in rebellion, 
and defies you. Did the primitive christians ask that 
government should recognize and observe their religious 
institutions ? All they asked was toleration ; all they 
complained of was persecution. What did the Protes- 
tants of Germany, or the Hugenots of France, ask of 
their Catholic superiors? Toleration. What do the 
persecuted Catholics of Ireland ask of their oppressors? 
Toleration. 

Do. all men in this country enjoy every religious right 
which martyrs and saints ever asked? Whence, then, 
the voice of complaint ? Who is it, that, in full enjoy- 
ment of every principle which human laws can secure, 
wishes to wrest a portion of these principles from his 
neighbor ? Do the petitioners allege that they cannot 
conscientiously participate in the profits of the mail 
contracts and post offices, because the mail is carried on 
Sunday ? If this be their motive, then it is worldly 
gain which stimulates to action, and not virtue or reli- 
gion. Do they complain that men, less conscientious 
in relation to the Sabbath, obtain advantages over them, 
by receiving their letters and attending to their contents? 
Still their motive is worldly and selfish. But, if their 
motive be to induce Congress to sanction, by law, their 
religious opinions and observances, then their efforts are 
to be resisted, as in their tendency fatal, both to religious 
and political freedom. Why have the petitioners con- 



APPENDIX. 75 

fined their prayer to the mails ? Why have they not 
requested to suspend all its executive functions on that 
day ? Why do they not require us to enact that our 
ships shall not sail ? that our armies shall not march ? 
that officers of justice shall not seize the suspected, to 
guard the convicted ? They seem to forget that gov- 
ernment is as necessary on Sunday as on any other day 
of the week. The spirit of evil does not rest on that 
day. It is the government, ever active in its functions, 
which enables us all, even the petitioners, to worship in 
our churches in peace. 

Our government furnishes very few blessings like 
our mails. They bear from the centre of our republic 
to its distant extremes — the acts of our legislative 
bodies, the decisions of the judiciary, and the orders of 
the executive. Their speed is often essential to the de- 
fence of the country, the suppression of crime, and the 
dearest interests of the people. Were they suppressed 
one day of the week, their absence must be often sup- 
plied by public expresses ; and besides, while the mail 
bags might rest, the mail coaches would pursue their 
journey with the passengers. The mail bears, from one 
extreme of the Union to the other, letters of relatives 
and friends, preserving a communion of heart between 
those far separated, and increasing the most pure and 
refined pleasures of our existence ; also, the letters of 
commercial men convey the state of the markets, pre- 
vent ruinous speculations, and promote general, as well 
as individual, interest; they bear innumerable religious 
letters, newspapers, magazines, and tracts, which reach 
almost every house throughout thife wide republic. Is 
the conveyance of these a violation of the Sabbath ? 
The advance of the human race in intelligence, in vir- 
tue, and religion itself, depends in part upon the speed 



70 APPENDIX. 

with which a knowledge of the past is disseminated. 
Without an interchange between one country and 
another, between different sections of the same coun- 
try, every improvement in moral or political science, 
and the arts of life, would be confined to the neighbor- 
hood where it originated. The more rapid and the 
more frequent this interchange, the more rapid will be 
the march of intellect and the progress of improve- 
ment. The mail is the chief means by which intellec- 
tual light irradiates to the extremes of the republic. 
Stop it one day in seven, and you retard one seventh 
the advancement of our country. So far from stopping 
the mail on Sunday, the committee would recommend 
the use of all reasonable means to give it a greater ex- 
pedition and a greater extension. What would be the 
elevation of our country, if every new conception 
could be made to strike every mind in the Union at the 
same time ? It is not the distance of a province or 
state, from the seat of government, which endangers its 
separation ; but it is the difficulty and unfrequency of 
intercourse between them. Our mails reach Missouri 
and Arkansas in less time than they reached Kentucky 
and Ohio in the infancy of their settlements ; and now, 
when there are three millions of people extending a 
thousand miles west of the Allegany, we hear less of 
discontent than when there were but a few thousand 
scattered along their western base. 

To stop the mails one day in seven, would be to 
thrust the whole western country, and other distant 
parts of the republic, one day's journey from the seat 
of government. But were it expedient to put an end 
to the transmission of letters and newspapers on Sun- 
day, because it violates the law of God, have not the 
petitioners begun wrong in their efforts ? If the arm of 



APPENDIX. it 

government be necessary to compel men to respect and 
obey the laws of God, do not the state governments 
possess infinitely more power in this respect? Let the 
petitioners turn to them, and see if they can indace the 
passage of laws to respect the observance of the Sab- 
bath : for, if it be sinful for the mail to carry letters on 
Sunday, it must be equally sinful for individuals to 
write, carry, receive, or read them. It would seem to 
require that these acts should be made penal, to com- . 
plete the system. Travelling on business or recreation, 
except to and from church ; all printing, carrying, re- 
ceiving, and reading of newspapers ; all conversations 
and social intercourse, except upon religious subjects, 
must necessarily be punished to suppress the evil. 
Would it not also follow, as an inevitable consequence, 
that every man, woman, and child, should be compelled 
to attend meeting? and, as only one sect, in the opinion 
of some, can be deemed orthodox, must it not be deter- 
mined bylaw which that is, and compel all to hear those 
teachers, and contribute to their support ? If minor 
punishments would restrain the Jew, or the Sabbatarian, 
or the Infidel, who believes Saturday to be the Sabbath, 
or disbelieves the whole, would not the same require 
that we should resort to imprisonment, punishment, the 
rack, and the faggot, to force men to violate their own 
consciences, or compel them to listen to doctrines which 
they abhor ? When the state governments shall have 
yielded to these measures, it will be time enough for 
Congress to declare that the rattling of the mail coaches 
shall no longer break the silence of this despotism. It 
is a duty of this government to afford to all — to the 
Jew or Gentile, Pagan or Christain, the protection and 
advantages of our benignant institutions, on Sunday, as 
well as every other day of the week. Although this 
7* 



4- 



7S APPENDIX. 

government will not convert itself into an ecclesiastical 
tribunal, it will practice upon the maxim laid down by 
the founder of Christianity — that it is lawful to do good 
on the Sabbath day. If the Almighty has set apart the 
first day of the week as time which man is bound to 
keep holy, and devote exclusively to his worship, would 
it not be more congenial to the precepts of Christians, 
to appeal exclusively to the great lawgiver of the uni- 
verse to aid them in making men better, in correcting 
their practices by purifying their hearts? Government 
will protect them in their efforts. When they shall 
have so instructed the public mind, and awakened the 
consciences of individuals, as to make them believe that 
it is a violation of God's law to carry the mail, open 
post offices, or receive letters, on Sunday, the evil of 
which they complain will cease of itself, without any 
exertion of the strong arm of. civil power. When man 
undertakes to be God's avenger, he becomes a demon. 
Driven by the frenzy of a religious zeal, he loses every 
gentle feeling ; forgets the most sacred precepts of his 
creed ; and becomes ferocious and unrelenting. 

Our fathers did not wait to be oppressed, when the 
mother country asserted and* exercised an unconstitu- 
tional power over them. To have acquiesced in the tax 
of three pence upon a pound of tea, would have led 
the way to the most cruel exactions ; they took a bold 
stand against the principle, and liberty and independ- 
ence were the result. The petitioners have not request- 
ed Congress to suppress Sunday mails upon the ground 
of political expediency, but because they violate the 
sanctity of the first day of the week. 

This being the fact, and the petitioners having indig- 
nantly disclaimed even the wish to unite politics and 
religion, may not the committee reasonably cherish the 



APPENDIX. 79 

hope tli at they will feel reconciled to its decision, in the 
case ; especially, as it is also a fact, that the counter 
memorials, equally respectable, oppose the interference 
of Congress, upon the ground that it would be legisla- 
ting upon a religious subject, and therefore unconstitu- 
tional. 

Resolved, That the committee be discharged from the 
further consideration of the subject, 



SO APPENDIX. 



From the National Intelligencer of April 19th, 1820. 

The sword voted to Col. Richard M. Johnson, by res- 
olution of Congress, introduced by Gov. Barbour, of 
Virginia, and urged by a powerful speech, which led to 
its unanimous adoption, in testimony of their high sense 
of his gallantry and good conduct, in the decisive battle 
on the Thames, in Upper Canada, during the late war 
with Great Britain, was presented to that gentleman 
yesterday by the President of the United States. The 
heads of departments, and many members of both 
houses of congress attended to witness an honor not less 
distinguished than it is deserved. On presenting to Col. 
Johnson this mark of his country's approbation, the 
President addressed him as follows: 

Sir — I now perform an office which is very gratify- 
ing to my feelings. In the late war, our country was 
assailed on every side ; on the Atlantic coast, and inland 
frontiers; and in many quarters at the same time. Hon- 
ored by your fellow citizens, you then held a station in 
the public council, which afforded you an opportunity 
to render services with which a patriotism less ardent, 
would have been satisfied. But you repaired to the 
field, at the head of a regiment of mounted volunteers, 
and met the enemy, at one of the points, where he was 
most formidable. At the head of that corps, and well 
supported it, you fought with heroic gallantry, and es- 
sentially contributed to the victory which was obtained. 
Your country is grateful for these services, and in com- 
pliance with a resolution of Congress, I present to you 
this sword, as a testimonial of its high regard. 



APPENDIX 81 



TO WHICH COL. JOHNSON REPLIED. 

Mr. President, — With sentiments of unfeigned 
gratitude to this national legislature, for the testimonial 
of their approbation, and to you, sir, for the cordiality 
with which it is presented, I accept the donation as the 
richest reward of a soldier's merit — but not without a 
deep sense of the slender claim which I have to such 
distinguished honor. Conscious of the forbearance of 
our country under a continued repetition of injuries, it 
became my duty when the last resort of nations was 
adopted, to contribute with our fellow citizens, my per- 
sonal services, in vindicating our common rights, and it 
was my good fortune to be placed at the head of a corps 
whose valor was equal to the occasion, and who would 
have done honor to any leader. Their worth supplied 
my deficiency : and it will ever give me pleasure to re- 
gard this as a token of their merit. Unworthy as 1 am 
of this distinction, I derive great consolation from the 
elevated character of the illustrious body under whose 
resolution you act, which is much increased by a rec- 
ollection of the revolutionary services, and the exalted 
reputation of the individual designated to carry it into 
effect. 



BATTLE OF THE THAMES. 



Extract from "A correct and full account of the Milita- 
ry Occurrences of the Late War between Great Brit- 
ain and the United States of America. — By William 
James. London, 1818." Vol. I. 



" Col Johnson drew up his mounted regiment in close 
column ; having its right at the distance of fifty yards 
from the road, and its left upon the swamp. His direc- 
tions were, to charge at full speed, as soon as the enemy 
delivered his lire, and the General rightly conjectured, 
that the enemy would be quite unprepared for the shock, 
and could not resist it. The British gave the first fire ; 
from which the horses of the front column recoiled. 
After the delivery of the second fire, the brilliant charge 
took effect. The Indian warriors, led by the undaunt- 
ed Tecumseh, rushed upon the enemy's front line of in- 
fantry, and for a moment made some impression upon it. 
It was not, in short, till the infantry was reinforced by 
the whole of Gov. Shelby's, and a part of Col. Johnson's 
regiment, nor till the fall of their lamented chief, and 
upwards of thirty of their warriors, that the brave for- 
esters retired from the field of battle. 

" The defeat of the British at the battle of the Thames, 
was highly advantageous to the American cause. Not 
only was the whole Territory of Michigan, except the 
Fort of Michilimacinac, restored to the United States, 



APPENDIX. 83 

but the western district of the Upper Province became 
a conquered country. 

"Itseerns extraordinary that Gen. Harrison should 
have omitted to mention, in his letter, the death of a 
chief, whose fall contributed so largely to break down 
the Indian spirit, and to give peace and security to the 
whole north western frontier of the United States. Te- 
cumseh, although he had received a musket ball in the 
left arm, was still seeking the hottest of the fire, when 
he encountered Col. R. M. Johnson, member of Con- 
gress from Kentucky. Just as the chief, having dis- 
charged his rifle, was rushing forward with his toma- 
hawk, he received a ball in the head from the Colonel's 
pistol. Thus fell the Indian warrior Tecumseh, in the 
44th year of his age. He was of the Shawanse tribe ; 
six feet ten inches high; and with more than the usual 
stoutness, possessed all the agility and perseverance of 
the Indian character. His carriage was dignified ; his 
eye penetrating ; his countenance, which, even in death, 
betrayed the indications of a lofty spirit, rather of the 
sterner cast. Had he not possessed a certain austerity 
of manners, he could never have controlled the way- 
ward passions of those who followed him to battle. He 
was of a silent habit ; but when his eloquence became 
roused into action by the reiterated encroachments of 
the Americans, his strong intellect could supply him 
with a flow of oratory, that enabled him, as he governed 
in the field, so to prescribe in the council. Those who 
consider that, in all territorial questions, the ablest di- 
plomatists of the United States are sent to negotiate 
with the Indians, will readily appreciate the loss sus- 
tained by the latter, in the death of their champion. 

" Few officers in the United States service, are so able 
to command in the field, as this famed Indian chief. 



84 



APPENDIX. 



He was an excellent judge of positions; and not only 
knew, but could point out, the localities of the whole 
country through which he had passed. To what extent 
he had travelled over the western part of the American 
continent, may be conceived from the well known fact, 
that he visited the Creek Indians, in the hopes of pre- 
vailing on them, to unite with their northern brethren, 
in efforts to regain their country, as far as the banks of 
the Ohio. 

" The body of Tecumseh was recognized not only by 
the British officers who were prisoners, but by Com. 
Perry, and several American officers. He invariably 
wore a deer-skin coat and pantaloons. Considering 
the importance of Tecumseh's death to the American 
cause, it is difficult to account for Gen. Harrison's omis- 
sion to mention it." 

The above extract is taken from James' History of 
the late war, between the United States and Great Brit- 
ain, printed in London, in 1818. The author leans as 
much in favor of his own country, as a loyal subject 
could do consistent with a regard for truth. The ques- 
tion is now settled beyond the reach of doubt, that Te- 
cumseh fell by the hand of Col. It. M. Johnson. The 
British officers, Com. Perry, and the American officers, 
also, who knew this Indian warrior well, all concur in 
establishing this fact. The historian, who bestows the 
faintest praise on every occasion, on the American char- 
acter, unequivocally asserts, that it was Col. R. M. John- 
son who killed this famed Indian chief. Tecumseh 
was well known in the British line ; he had for many 
months been attached to General Proctor's army rf some- 
times commanding three thousand five hundred war- 
riors, and never less than one thousand. A chief of his 
distinction must have been well known by the British 



APPENDIX. 85 

army, and their concurrence in the fact that he fell by 
the hand of Col. R. M. Johnson, removes every doubt 
whatever. But why was it that Gen. Harrison omitted 
to report the most important event in the whole action, 
in his letter to the Secretary of war ? Had this been 
done, there never would have been any doubt or dis- 
pute on the subject. The English author is surprised 
and astonished that the commanding General should 
have omitted to state so important an event, as the cir- 
cumstances of the death of Tecumseh. 

It is strange ! it is indeed passing strange ! ! that a 
British historian should do us more justice than our 
own commanding General; and that one of the most im- 
portant events in the battle should be hermetically seal- 
ed from public view for so many years. The fact was 
then notorious, fresh in the minds, spoken of, known by 
many, in the British and American lines ; and it is truly 
astonishing, that Gen. Harrison should not have com- 
municated it in his official letter to the Secretary of War. 
But truth is mighty, and will prevail — and 

" Foul deeds will rise 



"Though all the earth o'erwhelm them to men's eyes." 

A FRIEND OF TRUTH. 



8 






A SKETCH OF THE 

SPEECH OF COL. ELY MOORE, 

At the great Meeting at Masonic Hall, on the 13th March, 
1832, ivhich recommended Col. Richard M. Johnson, 
as a candidate for the Vice Presidency. 

There is something cheering and peculiarly grati- 
fying in witnessing such a unanimous, ardent, and hon- 
est expression of sentiment in behalf of useful talent 
and exalted ivorth, as is manifested on this occasion. It 
affords a strong and consolitary evidence that we are 
not unmindful that " closely allied to love of country is 
gratitude to its benefactors." And, gentlemen, it does 
appear to me that if there is one man more emphati- 
cally entitled to the gratitude of this nation, and one 
having stronger claims upon its suffrages than another, 
that man is Col. R. M. Johnson, of Kentucky. In ex- 
pressing this opinion, I would not be understood as 
wishing to detract from the merits or pretensions of 
either of the respective candidates for the Vice Presi- 
dency — far from it. I am willing to admit that each of 
them has " done the state some service." I am willing 
to admit they are honorable men— all honorable men ! 
But when their pretensions are compared with those of 
the veteran statesman of the west, every candid man 
must admit they are altogether inferior — that they are 
" as dust in the balance." 



APPENDIX. 87 

No doubt we shall be assailed by those whose inter- 
est it may be to farther the views of other candidates. 
They, probably, will impugn our motives and misrep- 
resent our principles, because we are unwilling to sacri- 
fice at the shrine of party what we conceive to be the 
interest of our country. Be it so. We conceive it to 
be our duty, we know it to be our right as free citizens, 
to meet in public for the purpose of recommending to 
office such of our fellow citizens as we may think best 
qualified to serve the country. It was such an express- 
ion of public opinion that first called Gen. Washington 
to preside over the destinies of the Republic ; and it 
was such an expression of public opinion that called 
the present Chief Magistrate to the presidential chair. 
And if similar means fail to elevate Col. Johnson to the 
Vice Presidency, it will be, either because the spirit of 
genuine democracy shall have departed from among 
us, or that a fatal lethargy shall cramp and stifle its in- 
fluence. * * * * * * 

Notwithstanding every individual within the sound of 
my voice may be familiar with the history of Col. 
Johnson, yet I will take the liberty of dwelling for a 
few moments upon some of the most prominent events 
of his life. Accompany me, then, (in imagination,) to 
the banks of the Thames, in Canada, where Col. John- 
son first signalized himself as an officer and a soldier. 

Seldom, indeed, do the occurrences of real life fur- 
nish a more interesting, a more animating and spirit 
stirring picture— one in which is so strongly marked 
the character of patriotism and of high souled chivalry, 
as was displayed in the character and conduct of Col. 
Johnson in that memorable battle. In that hour of 
peril, when the savage foe, led on by the brave and des- 



88 APPENDIX. 

perate Tecumseb, were pushing their way to victory, 
behold him rallying his little band of mounted riflemen 
— animating them with his own determined spirit — 
breathing into them the soul of heroism, and at their 
head dashing amidst the thickest of the battle. Behold 
him, when unhorsed, covered with wounds and bleed- 
ing at every pore, vigorously renew the fight ; with his 
own determined arm roll back the tide of battle, and 
decide the fate of that well fought day, by despatching 
him who was the life and soul, the heart and head, of 
the Indian phalanx and of Indian chivalry. Behold 
him, and his noble brother, with his two youthful but 
gallant sons, standing foot to foot, and hilt to hilt, with 
the ruthless foe — battling side by side, and dealing 
stroke for stroke, in their country's defence and for 
their country's honor ! There they stood, brothers, sire 
and sons, firm as the deep rooted oak of their own 
mountain land ; forming, on the one hand, a rallying 
point to the American soldier, and on the other, an im- 
penetrable rampart to the enemy. There they stood ! 
shoulder to shoulder, staunch as did ever Spartan 
at the Pass, or Lacedemonian on " Old Platea's 
day." When reeling, and well nigh falling from loss 
of blood, yet did he face his foes — brandish his mangled 
arm in their very teeth, and cheer his brave Kentuck- 
ians, ever and anon, with the animating cry of "onward 
—onward — onward !" * * 

Col. Johnson has not only proved himself a heroic 
soldier, but a profound and honest statesman. He has 
not only won the blood stained laurel, but the civic 
wreath, lie not only merits our esteem and admiration 
for breasting the battle storm— for risking his life in the 
deadly breach ; but, also, for the firm, patriotic, and un- 
deviating course that has marked his political life : and 



APPENDIX. 89 

especially is he entitled to our love and gratitude, and 
to the love and gratitude of all good men, — of all who 
love their country, — for his able, patriotic and luminous 
report on the Sunday mail question. * ' * ■ * 
I will hazard the declaration, that Col. Johnson has 
done more for liberal principles, for freedom of opinion, 
and for pure and unadulterated democracy, than any man 
in our country — by arresting the schemes of an ambi- 
tious, irreligious priesthood. Charge him not with hos- 
tility to the principles of religion, because he opposed 
the wishes and thwarted the designs of the clergy — 
rather say that he has proved himself the friend of pure 
religion, by guarding it against a contaminating alliance 
with politics. His strong and discriminating mind der 
tected and weighed the consequences that would result 
from such a measure. He sifted the projectors of this 
insiduous and dangerous scheme, and resolved to meet 
them full in the face, and by means of reason and argu- 
ment, to convince the honest and silence the designing. 
The honest he did convince— the designing he did de- 
feat, though, strange to tell, did not silence; — their ob- 
stinacy can only be equalled by their depravity. Their 
perseverance, however, can accomplish nothing, so long 
as the people prize their liberties, and can have access 
to the constitution and Johnson's reports. * 

I would not be understood to say that a majority of the 
people do not properly estimate the importance of those 
documents — that they do not duly appreciate their 
merits. I should not feel myself warranted in go do- 
ing. But I will say that, if they do, Col. Johnson will 
be our next Vice President. 

That man who can contemplate the misery and deg- 
radation that have ever resulted to the many, from a 
union of the ecclesiastical and secular powers, must be 
8* 



90 APPENDIX. 

a stranger to every patriotic feeling, callous to every no- 
ble impulse, and dumb to all the emotions of gratitude, 
not to admire and revere, honor and support, the man 
■who had the honesty and moral heroism to risk his pop- 
ularity, by stemming the current of public prejudice ; 
by exciting the bigot's wrath, and provoking the vigi- 
lant and eternal hostility of a powerful sect, whose in- 
fluence is felt and whose toils are spread from Maine to 
Florida, and from the Oregon to the Atlantic. But the 
same determined spirit, the same sacred love of coun- 
try, that prompted Col. Johnson to face that country's 
open foe on the battle field, urged him with equal ardor 
to grapple with its secret enemies in the Senate cham- 
ber. Shall he go unrewarded ? * * * * 

He who considers the influence which those reports 
are calculated to exert over the destinies of this Repub- 
lic as trifling, or of small importance, is but little ac- 
quainted with the history of the past, and consequently 
but ill qualified to judge of the future. 

Col. Johnson had been instructed by the philosopher 
and faithful historian, as well as by the teachings of his 
own mighty mind, that "human nature is never so de- 
based as when superstitious ignorance is armed with 
power." 

He knew full well, that wherever the ecclesiastical 
and secular powers were leagued together, the fountains 
of justice were polluted — that the streams of righteous- 
ness were choked up, and that the eternal principles of 
truth and equity were banished the land — that the peo- 
ple were degraded — their understandings enthralled, 
and all their energies crushed and exhausted. He 
knew full well that all the evils combined, which con- 
vulse the natural world, were not so fatal to the prosperity 
of a nation, as religious intolerance ; for even after pes- 






APPENDIX. 91 

tilence has slain its thousands, the earthquake swallowed 
up its victims, and the desolating whirlwind swept the 
land — yet may a new and better world spring from the 
desolation ; but when religion grasps the sword, and su- 
perstition rears her haggard form, hope has fled forever. 
Do you call for the evidence ? The histories of Spain, 
of Italy, and of Portugal, are before you. They tell 
you these states were powerful once. What are they 

now ? " Infants in the cradle, after ages of nonentity." 
********* 

Col. Johnson had not only a regard to the political, 
but also to the religious welfare of his country, when he 
drafted these reports. He had been instruced, by the 
history of the past, that in proportion as a sect becomes 
powerful, from whatever cause, it retrogrades in piety, 
and advances in corruption and ambition. He was 
aware that the Christian religion no longer partook of 
the character of its founder, after the civil arm was 
wielded in its behalf. After it was taken into keeping 
by Constantine, that royal cut-throat — that anointed par- 
ricide — that baptized murderer — from that time to the 
present, with but a few intervals, it has been wielded as 
a political engine, prostrating the liberties and paralizing 
the energies of the nations. 

We hazard but little in predicting that the reports of 
the Kentucky statesman, calculated as they are to guard 
us from a like curse, will survive and flourish — will be 
read and admired — honored and revered by the freemen 
of America, when the edicts of kings and emperors, and 
the creeds of councils, shall have been swept from the 
memory of man. ****** 

Gentlemen, we behold in Col. Richard M. Johnson 
a man of Roman stamp in Rome's best age. We be- 
hold in him not only the tried and invincible soldier — 



02 



APPENDIX. 



the dauntless asserter of the rights of conscience, but 
also the enlightened philanthropist and righteous legis- 
lator, as is abundantly evident from his recent and mast- 
erly report on the subject of imprisonment for debt. 



* 



* 



* 



* 



■* 



■* 



Ever actuated by the principles of patriotism and 
honor, as well as by the feelings of humanity, this great 
and good man is constantly toiling, by day and by night, 
in season and out of season, for his country's good and 
for his country's glory. And, gentlemen, that country, 
will not only prove itself ungrateful to its benefactor, but 
unfaithful to itself, yea, reckless of its own best interests 
if it neglects to reward services so important, merit so 
transcendant. 



FREDONIAD. 



CANTO HI. 

Argument. 

Invocation— Description of the celestial regions- — The convention 
of the Immortals at the bower of Heaven — their speeches still 
farther elucidate the causes of the war. 

The scene is laid in heaven. The lime is one day. 

Long hath my fancy, on the wing of death, 
Pursu'd her darksome way through hell beneath, — 
Where, cramp'd with horror, frequent have I stood 
Breathless, to mark the scenes of pain and blood ; 
But now escap'd the regions of despair, 
I feel the spirit of the quickening air 
To urge me upward with elastic spring, 
Beyond the circle of the comet's wing. 

Thou, who sustain'st the poet as he climbs, 
And the rough passion of his soul sublimes — 10 

Giv'st him to walk through nature's boundless road, 
To search the place of Deity's abode — 
Thou, Muse of Poesy! — O come thou near, 
And tune my harp for the celestial sphere ; 
Distil thy dew upon my bosom now — 
Inspire my thoughts with inspiration's glow — 
With light effulgent, circumfuse my brow! 
Direct my compass from this downward earth 
To where the mind receiv'd its wonderous birth. 
1* 



PREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Give me the touch that none but angels feel — 20 

Elysian glories to my soul reveal ! 
Strengthen — O guide me in my course on high, 
And ope the gate of heaven expansive to mine eye! 
What strange emotions startle through my soul ! 
Beyond my sight, earth backward seems to roll ! 
Before my gaze th' inspiring Genius stands — 
She leads the way of heaven with holy hands! 
Her touch divine improves my visual ray — 
I see, I feel, I breathe immortal day! 

Beyond the burning radiance of the sun — 30 

Above where stars in dancing circles run; 
Careering thence, where fire-wrapp'd angels sing, 
Touching the gold of the melodious string — 
Distance immense, immeasurably high, 
Heaven's gate unfolds a present Deity ! 

Scenes drawn with beauty's pencil fill the sight, 
Where shades in nice gradation touch the light: 
Rivers of nectar in abundance flow, 
Winding the hills to reach the lake below, — 
Replenishing with life the longing roots 40 

Of plants that propagate ambrosial fruits, 
And gums more choice than those that incense made, 
When Aaron prostrate for the people prayed. 
Perennial vallies open on the view, 
Where rich variety is ever new. 
In robes of emerald is the landscape dress'd — 
Sweets of elixirty th' affections' feast. 
Flowers new with life variegate the scene — 
Like gems that deck the the brow of night serene: 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Snow-drops, and daffodils, and lotus fair — 50 

Carnations, jonquils, crocus, tulips, rare — 

The lofty blooms and those that love the ground, 

Pour their sweet breaths deliciously around. 

Th' ethereal soil in which they smiling grow, 

Refines their tints above what earth can know. 

The more the curious eye their structure views, 

They through the soul more loveliness infuse; 

Never they languish, but improving live, 

Beyond what man of beauty can conceive. 

On zephyr' (1 hills exuberant groves extend, 60 

Down which the streams in glad meanderings bend ■ 
Here proudly waves the victor laurel round, 
With which the temples of the just-are crown'd; 
Trees of rich blossom aromatic rise, 
Spreading their flower-deck'd bosoms to the skies. 
The elm majestic rears its head on high, 
Near which the slender aspen trembles by. 

Lambs in the vallies innocent are seen, 
The honied flowrets cropping o'er the green. 
Some graze beside the lions prone in sleep, 7u 

Others in sportive gambols round them leap; 
Pleas'd wake the lions and enjoy the play, 
Crouch in the grass, and rampant start away. 
With dignity the tiger steps the lawn, 
Or in his humour dandles with the fawn. 
The kid's wild frolic swells the various bliss — 
Young life and beauty in embraces kiss. 

In this rich paradise where pleasure reigns, 
Birds of rare cadence chant their happy strains- 
The shrill-tongu'd lark exulting as he flies, 80 

With early song salutes the opening skies, 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

The gold canary never checks his notes — 

Shrill through the air his breath melodious floats. 

The speaking mocking-birds their hymns recite, 

And the sweet sparrow twitters with delight. 

The linnet, thrush, and nightingale, in turn, 

Make the wide heavens with glowing music burn. 

At times, one lonely sings his mellowed song, 

The others listening to his warbling tongue — 

When, lo, an impulse striking on the whole, 90 

Their strains seraphic melody the soul. 

A lake expands its bosom on the right, 
(Seen from tlr empyreal bower — majestic height,) 
Pure in transparency as heaven-wash'd light. 
Nothing to match its beauties can compare — 
The touch, creative, stamp'd perfection there. 
Swans in their spotless robes adorn its breast, 
Whose silver shades beneath their bosoms rest. 
With gladness now they row along the lake — 
Their moving shadows into fragments break. 100 

The proud flamingo follows on the stream, 
Rich like an image in a rapturous dream; 
Its crimson plumage dazzles like a flame, 
Burning in worship to th' eternal name. 
The happy swimmers mark the pearls that shine. 
And diamond shores of radiancy divine — 
The firmament, reflected from below, 
With all the wonderous scenes that round about it glow. 

Here souls, translated, wash their stains away, 
When freed from earth they burst their prisoning clay; 1 10 
With holy thirstings large they drink the wave — 
Youth springs immortal from the virtuous grave'. 



FRED0N1AD. CANTO III. 

Refin'd, enfranchis'd from the dross of earth, 
In sacred form they pour their homage forth. 
Clad in the vestures of their God they stand, 
With hallow'd censers burning in their hand, 
Pure clouds of grateful incense curl on high, 
To visit which live rainbows leave the sky ; 
While the bless'd multitudes on bended knee, 
In holy thought adore the Deity. 120 

Deep-pouring from the lake a river springs, 
In whose bright waters angels dip their wings. 
The liquid silver winds through field and grove — 
'Tvveen parted hills, where beauty wakens love. 
Its marble channel deck'd w T ith emerald glows, 
As smooth the lapsing wave like falling music flows. 

Its sloping banks with dewy moss are crown'd, 
Such as draws life from heaven's nectareous ground. 
Soft as the web that forms the silkworm's nest, 
Or down that blossoms on the cygnet's breast. 130 

Each colour kissing each harmonious blends, 
Like rain-bow arch that round creation bends. 
Beyond the moss, flourish for ever green, 
Trees where the bird of paradise is seen. 
The fruits, reflected in the wave below, 
Seem to the eye invertedly to grow, 
And heaven's transparencies divinely show. 
Myriads of gold and silver fishes play 
'Neath the cool shades, or in the dazzling ray. 
With nimble fin they rapid dart along — 140 

At times, like tiny troops — a beauteous throng, 
Marshall'd they move, — and now in files they reach- 
Now, shoal together round the diamond beach. 



*j* 



FREDONIAD, CANTO in. 

They leap and taste the air — then, diving, swim, — 
And then, quick wheeling, o'er the surface skim, 
Rippling the unchaPd waters as they pass — 
Shivering the stream — a broken flood of glass; 
Birds, trees and fruits, the heavens around that glow, 
Like shatter'd fragments in the mirror flow. 

On these bless'd fields translated spirits move, 150 

Wrapp'd in th' adoring ecstasy of love; 
Here reign immeasurable joys for ever more — 
Immense, from sea to sea — from shore to shore. 

High o'er this blissful heaven another rolls, 

Where seraphs dwell and walk the shining poles, 

Or float on rapture circumfus'd in light, 

Bordering the Deity — stupendous height! 

Respiring large, his breathings exquisite! 

At times, they ride in chariots wing'd with flame, 

Through fields of space — creation's boundless frame! 160 

At times, in holy rings their hands unite, 

And virtuous names to Deity recite ; 

Then, in conclusion, swell the strain so high. 

The anthem echoes through immensity. 

Beyond this second heaven — the seraph's clime. 
Revolves the third, sublime above sublime; 
Here dwells the Deity unseen, unknown — 
A unit, multitude — and yet alone, — 
The centre point — the circle of the whole — 
The former of a mite — the breather of the soul! 170 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

His outward skirts are curtain'd in a blaze 
Of gold, made fire, blinding the worship gaze 
Of angels crown'd with tires, unless they fling 
Before the solid brilliancy their wing, 
Shading the dazzling dark — e'en then the shine, 
Bows them with reverence to the Power Divine! 
So bright th' effulgence of th' empyreal beam, 
A world of suns would midnight darkness seem. 

Thus orb'd in fire, he circles nature round, 
Breathing to all vitality profound. 180 

When in the Elysium west, he shades his view, 
He lines the vault with stars created new, 
Which round the universe their paths pursue, — 
While bands of angels, on the wings of light, 
Repeat soft music to the ear of night. 

Zon'd in effulgence, the Supreme appears — 
Forth at his smile, day quickens round the spheres. 
The dread magnificence mysterious given, 
Bends into worship all the host of heaven. 

The open-bosom'd flowers baptized with dew, 190 

Breathe a waste wilderness of odours new, 
The humming-bird, inviting, thrill'd with bliss, 
Them, to salute with love-delighting kiss. 

A cloud of gorgeous fashion in the east, 
Supports an angel-troop, of whom, the least, 
Not the whole earth would bear comparison, 
Were all its beauty melted into one. 

The paintings of the cloud, a God, unfold — 
With which the topaz, ruby, fire-prov'd gold — 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

The opal, jacinth, emerald, jasper, fair, 200 

Are meanly dull their splendours to compare. 

Fringes of rainbow light its skirts adorn, 

Blending the purity of day new-born. 

Soft as it floats upon the silver air, 

Tnimageable forms divine appear, 

Changing exquisite as the cloud in heaven 

Changes its folds by breathing Zephyrs driven. 

These cloud-wrapp'd angels of the second clime, 
At the dread voice of Deity sublime, 

Convene th 1 immortals at the floral bower, 210 

When great events hang pending on the hour. 

Lo, now a Seraph from the cloud descries 
Fredonia at the fount of Paradise; 
(Fredonia crown'd celestial at her birth, 
The guardian genius of Columbians earth.) 
On vital pinions swift he cleaves his way; 
His cheek so fair, it shames the blush of day. 
His plumes transparent in the sunbeams shine, 
Reflecting far a splendidness divine. 

As smooth he floating o'er the empyrean sails, 220 

Fanning with gentle wing the yielding gales, 
A golden clarion in his right he bears, 
Which, when it sounds, his purposes declares. 
Soft to his kissing lips the trump he plies, 
And, breathing melody as forth he flies, 
Touches the soul with nameless ecstasies. 

" Ye, crown'd with immortality! — arise! 
Fredonia from the earth hath reach'd the skies. 
At the gemm'd grotto of the heavenly mount, 
Where flows the stream from the Elysian fount* 230 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Pensive she sits. With gratulations now, 
Greet her return, for heavy is her brow. 
Various emotions her soft bosom fill — 
Salute, escort her to the bowery hill; 
There will the Goddess passing scenes relate — 
The weal and wo of Freedom's dubious state." 
He breath'd deliciously such melting strains, 
They echo'd music through the happy plains. 

Forth at the sound, in brilliant troops they move 
With grace, that shows their origin above. 240 

From different seats of blessedness they rise, 
Resplendent virtues dazzling from their eyes — 
From lawns profuse of flowers, where pleasure dwells; 
From mossy banks, from grottos, echoing dells; 
From groves of myrrh, where musing silence strays, 
And contemplation all herself surveys; 
From the full river, diamond-bounded lake, 
Where souls enfranchis'd hear the anthems break. 

The sumless numbers moving at the sound, 
Would the strain'd efforts of the mind confound, 250 

As stars unmultiplied in circles dance 
To hallow'd music on the blue expanse, — 
As drops of dew the robes of spring adorn, 
When infant day with fragrant breath is born, — 
As beams of light reflected from a shower, 
When three fair rainbows from two mountains tower: 
In numbers like to this the bless'd appear, 
And fill with splendour the celestial sphere. 
Ravish'd in bliss, on buoyancy they tread. 
Leaving the dew upon the violet's head. 260 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

West of the lake, in this bright world divine, 
Looms a rich mount, down which gold streamlets shine. 
A plain extends upon its summit round, 
Where grace and beauty step th' enchanting ground; 
Here breathes the bower of heaven with fragrance full. 
From which the souls, elect, ambrosial flowrets cull. 
Palm trees in negligence of nature stand — 
Like stately pillars they enclose the land ; 
The spiry-creeping vines their brown trunks wed, 
Whose purple clusters gladdening odours shed. 270 

To fill the casual vacancies between, 
Growths less exalted careless intervene: 
The nectarine, the olive, lime and fig, 
Round which the woodbine wreathes its modest sprig. . 
At times the orange spreads its silver leaves, 
Through which with truant curl the jasmine weaves. 
The spice-tree flourishes divinely fair, 
Scattering a cloud of incense through the air. 
The rose-vine throws a beauty o'er the scene, 
Its flowers expanding mid the foliage green. 280 

Down from the lofty palms, in loose array, 
Festoons depend, where bees their pastime play; 
And humming-birds, too delicate to light, 
Sip the aroma lovely to the sight. 

Four cedars to the north affect the skies, — 
Two rainbow arches from their summits rise, 
Caus'd by the dew exhaling from each flower, 
Which forms a spacious entrance to the bower. 

Its charms within, a harmony excite — 
Through quivering leaves descends the dancing light. 290 
A verdant carpet round the floor is spread, 
On which th' Empyreals without foot-print tread — 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Uompos'd of tender turf, with flowers bestrown, 
Scatter'd with wildnesss by the hand unknown. 
A various charm to every sense is given, 
Presenting beauty to the eye of heaven. 

Seats, gold with diamond edg'd, are circling plac'd, 
Looking towards the south. A rostrum grac'd 
With matchless workmanship, commands the view — 
Its just proportions strike with wonder new. 300 

When heaven's dread synod in convention meet, 
The pensive Goddess occupies the seat. 
On thirteen pillars it majestic stands, 
The choicest labour of perfective hands, 
Of gems more precious than frail man beheld, 

While more than half their splendours are conceal'd: 
First the cornelian with a roseate eye, 

With which the colours of the topaz vie. 

A tender green is to the beryl given; 

The sapphire imitates cerulean heaven. 310 

The unstained crystal pours a radiance bright, 

And next in order is the chrysolite. 

The amethyst with modest violet glows, 

Through which the amber of the jacinth flows. 

The virgin ruby blushes in its face — 

The emerald flourishing as spring-time grace. 

The sardine's beauty melts upon the sight; 

The polish'd marble varies with delight. 

Brilliant the diamond burns with quenchless ray, 

Pouring afar the splendidness of day. 320 

On these rich pillars is the rostrum seen, 

Fashioned of gold, inlaid with gems serene. 

Silver the steps, reflecting as they rise 

A li<rht that adds a charm to Paradise. 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Pearl is the floor, smooth as a crystal sea, 
Where heaven is pictur'd in its symmetry. 
Full on its front, by beauty is engrav'd 
An eagle, lightning-ey'd with pinions wav"d. 
His dexter claw the sacred olive holds, 
His left the pointed arrows strong infolds: 330 

Sceptres and crowns lie broke, his feet beneath, 
While royal trappings blaze before his breath. 
A galaxy of stars illumes his head, 
Whose beams divergent dazzle as they spread. 

Now, on those plains that join th' immortal hill, 
From whence meanders many a cascade rill, 
The host celestial congregating meet 
With looks that show their happiness complete; 
Smiles play in ringlets dimpling round their cheek — 
Eyes glancing rapture, of the soul bespeak. 340 

In radiant files admiringly they move, 
Leaving the vale to reach the mountain grove. 
Fredonia habited in robes divine, 
Leads with smooth step the consecrated line; 
Her snowy right sustains a cap and spear, 
The verdant olives in her left appear. 
On as she glides like music touch'd with grace, 
Love's roseate blushes paradise her face. 

Next Independence dignified moves forth, 
His fashion vigorous, though of heaven his birth. 350 

His full-archM bosom partial is revealed — 
He bears a feather'd arrow, bow and shield. 

Justice advances with unchanging mien, 
Sedate, majestic, yet not unserene. 
His hand sustains a sword of diamond pure, — 
His righteous judgments like its edge endure. 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Mild temperance sheds a gladness o'er the plain, 
Delight and health are smiling in her train; 
Their steps, so buoyant, scarce the flow'rets press, 360 
Their eyes receiving and returning bliss. 

Industry, blushing like the risen morn, 
Is grac'd with harvest-hook and golden corn; 
Sweet-eyed Contentment in her hand she leads, 
As gay she trips it o'er the laughing meads. 

Then Patriotism, mark'd with port sublime 
And step unwavering, treads th' Elysian clime. 
A garland laurel wove, his temples bear; 
His eye looks future with a pondering air. 
All self is rooted from each inward part — 
A beam of honour burns upon his heart. 370 

The goddess Victory supports a shield, 
Flashing a dazzling brilliance o'er the field. 
She moves direct where Patriotism shows — 
A star-crown'd phcsnix stands upon her brows. 

With holy Love soft Charity combines, 
Around whose neck a smiling cherub twines: 
The sweetest odours to her breath are given — 
Her heart is tender as the thoughts of heaven. 

With feet in cadency moves gentle Peace, 
Without whose presence heaven would lose its grace; 380 
Robes wrought by Deity her limbs infold, 
Whilst round her curl bright rainbows fringed with gold- 
Next soul-enrapturing Hope is blithesome seen, 
On playful tiptoe dancing o'er the green: 
Flowers bloom full-bosom'd where she prints her tread, 
While pictur'd visions glitter round her head. 

Other high virtues wonderful appear, 
Beyond conception of earth's grovelling sphere, 
2* 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

These having pass'd,— translated souls glide forth, 
Who bless'd mankind what time they dwelt on earth; 390 
Wash'd in the purifying streams above, 
Half veil'd in radiance to the bower they move. 

First of the circle Washington appears, 
Whose august virtue the full heaven reveres. 
Crouchant the lion stoops with humbled eye — 
An eagle greets him from sublimity. 
With golden clarions seraphim proclaim: 
"Behold a mortal of immortal name!" 

Montgomery next approaching wins the sight, 
Serenely mild as evening's mellow light. 400 

His temples stars with radiancy adorn, 
Pure as creation at her birth-day morn. 

Warren deep blushes with the glow of youth — 
His heart beat vital in the cause of truth. 
Wrapp'd in the beams new-burnish'd from on high, 
His bosom feels a throbbing ecstasy. 

With kindred likeness of an angel's mien, 
The next advancing is the potent Greene. 
Laurels, the growth of heaven, his brows surround — 
His eyes flash victory with look profound. 410 

Knox, Lincoln, Sumpter, Marion, Clinton, Wayne, 
Reid, Otis, Laurens, mingle in the train — 
Mercer and Woodster, Sterling — names of light — 
Xash, Morgan, Chase, Pulaski, bless the sight — 
Putnam and Prescott, Pomeroy — Bunker's Height ! ! 

Franklin appears with wisdom in his form, 
Whose arm had tam'd the lightnings of the storm. 
E'en Virtue's self receives a brighter shine 
From the dread presence of the man divine. 



FREDONIAD. CA&TO III. 

Hancock and Adams next engage the view, 420 

Clad with the righteousness of honour new. 

By their high deeds a tyrant throne was riven, 

For which they triumph on the plains of heaven. 
These patriots having pass'd, th' illustrious Jay 

Glides without effort o'er the flowery way. 

While in the prisonment of flesh he dwelt, 

He the sharp tooth of rancorous faction felt: 

But now he walks in pristine glory forth, — 

Spotless his robes expressive of his worth. 

Next Henry lone is seen — pillar of light — 430 

He broke the darkness of tyrannic night. 

His voice spoke thunder to an iron throne, 

And made the holy cause of freedom known. 

A halo burning round his front appears — 
His tongue inspir'd, gave answer to the spheres. 
Nor shall the muse forget thy memory, Ames! 
Thy voice was richer than a poet's dreams! 
The flint in marble hearts was soft as snow, 
When the sweet honey from thy lips did flow — 

Thy name brings back the years forever gone, 440 

When Friendship bless'd me with thine elder son— 
When round our brows Hope pour'd her gladdening ray- 
When young Ambition gave the pulse its play, 
And golden pleasures stole the hours away! 
Thy name with his shall dwell upon my heart, 
Till in my bosom Death shall thrust his dart. 

Now two illustrious sons of epic song 
Are heard to sing with transport on their tongue. 
Barlow's soft numbers flow with smooth delight, 
Him, sweetly answering, swells harmonious Dwight. 450 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

When poet's lightning burnt within their breast, 

They felt a feeling never yet express'd; 

They rode the thunder-clouds when black with war, 

Or held sweet converse with each social star — 

The comets, visited, in fiery robes — 

Worlds above worlds — revolving globes on globes; — 

Or when to earth they bent their lofty wing, 

They trac'd the gushing of the limpid spring, 

Feeding the flow'rels of the meadows gay, 

The grass-spears starting in their bright array 460 

Clustering around; the dews upon the stem — ■ 

The jewelry in nature's diadem, 

Dancing in bliss; the butterfly, the mite, 

Of curious plumage, would their minds excite. 

And then impatient would they glance to heaven, — 

At length fruition to their souls is given. 

West passes next — the child of nature true, — 
Under whose touch the living features grew. 
Why from thy bosom'd country, didst thou roam? 
Was not thy genius honour'd — priz'd at home? 470 

Forbear the theme: from earth enfranchise now, 
With pencils dipp'd in heaven thy vast conceptions shew. 

West is succeeded in the train by Rush — 
Whose cheek made youthful glows with starry blush. 
Perfective wisdom stamped his every plan — 
Unspotted virtue sanctified the man. 
In him, the widow and the orphan found 
A husband, father, for their anguish'd wound. 
His country's glory was the polar beam, 
That chser'd his soul on life's tempestuous stream. 480 
He met disease and foil'd him of his dart — 
Pain and Despair forsook the struggling heart. 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Death trembled at his coming — withering fled — 
The dying rose and bless'd his hoary head. 
Lo, now he basks beneath the beams of love, 
Freed, through death's portal, to the courts above. 

The eagle soul of Rittenhouse appears, 
Whose winkless eye observ'd the flaming spheres. 
Live at his touch a universe sprang forth — 
To spaceless worlds he gave a second birth. 480 

Godfrey and Fulton, wedded hand in hand, 
With eye of science, ken the wonderous land; 
That with his quadrant had revers'd the sun, 
And taught the mariner his course to run; 
This with expansive vapour urg'd the ship, 
In stern defiance of th' opposing deep. 

What patriot heart can hear of Whitney's name. 
And feel no passion in his bosom flame 
To hail the man, whose mental powers unfurl'd 
Th' ingenious art, by which is cloth'd the world ! 490 

He from the cotton sifted out the seed, 
Which gives him title to poetic meed. 

Columbus follows next by millions blest — 
Three ships in miniature adorn his breast. 
A burning star illuminates his brow, 
With rays resplendent thirty points and two. 

O how ungrateful to purloin thy fame, 
And give thy glory to another's name! 
Lo, for a world, the earth but dungeons gave ! 
But heaven is just — rewards beyond the grave. 500 

Others innumerous glide upon their rear, 
Fine arts and science in their looks appear — 
Themes that delight in the celestial sphere. 



*2*- 



FUEDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Bath'd in the streams of life no mortal mind 

Can scan their joys with sacredness refin'd: 

Conceive perfection pure as hallow'd light — 

Think of thrill'd ecstasy, beyond delight — 

Wind the soul's fancy till it feels a press— 

An holy shivering with its happiness — 

Beyond impassion'd tho.jght their raptures tower — 510 

As earth is distant from Creative Pcwer! 

********* 

But who is this initiated now? 
Wisdom and eloquence adorn his brow! 
A brilliant halo round his temple plays — 
He seems bewildei'd in a tranceful maze. — 
'Tis Pinckney smiling o'er death! whose tongue 
Made the heart play as if with music strung — 
The aged felt their languid veins beat young. 

Th' empyreal train with measur'd step proceed, 
Winding the mountain where the flower-bees feed. 520 
Through paths with manna sprinkled, smooth they rise, 
Ravish'd, impress'd with holy sympathies. 
Myrtles profuse their odours breathe around — 
Th' immortal amaranth delights the ground. 
Roses unfold their bosoms to the day, 
And all their sweets without a thorn display. 
On every side infantile spirits move, 
Whose dimpling features smile the smile of love. 
Their dove-like wings exuberant charms unfold. 
Dipp'd in the rainbow, edg'd with melted gold. 530 

Some, harp3 self tun'd, — some, timbrels, bear in hand, 
Whose notes of symphony the soul command. 
Light as their fingers kiss the trembling strings, 
Each voice an anthem voluntary sings — 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

So pasing sweet the music floats around, 

The flow'rets new with life lean forward to the sound. 

At length they enter in the bowery grove, 
Fill'd with the fragrancy of heaven above. 
To golden seats in circles they repair — 
The goddess elevated, shows an air 540 

Serenely tender, that reveals her breast 
With some concernment heavily depress'd. 

Now Justice dignified extends his hand — 
The music dies of the infantile band: 
Their wings expanding wave with motion light, 
Reflecting beauties that surprise the sight; 
Their blushing feet on palms and olives rest, 
While love's soft breathings nestle in their breast. 

The music hush'd — Fredonia rises now, 
A wreath of graces curling round her brow. 550 

Transparent colours in her cheeks unite, 
The opening rose, the lily's virgin white. 
With voice attun'd to a delicious note, 
Sweet through the bower her words harmonious float. 

* l Ye heaven-translated of the world above — 
Feasting unsated on ambrosial love! 
Mine eyes are swimming in a tide of bliss 
To greet you here from scenes of bitterness. 

" For twice ten summers from these bowers I'vestray'd, 
And the full earth through all its parts survey'd — 560 

Its passion, scan'd with scrutinizing eye, 
Tracing the progress of its liberty. 

" Alas! there's none of the terrestial sphere, 
That the invitings of my voice would hear. 



PREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Round Afric's shores a slaving ignorance reigns, 

And superstition crimsons Asia's plains. 

Yet hope appears to waken like a dream 

On Egypt's Nile — a faint, a flickering gleam, 

Returning like a star for ages hid 

Behind the shadow of her pyramid. 570 

Ancient Byzantium also seems to feel 

Some stirring impulse for the general weal. 

Europea's offspring makes a specious show, 

As if the boon of liberty they know; 

But all their knowledge is a sounding name — 

They groan oppress'd with tyrant power the same. 

Vain splendour forms the worship of their souls. 

Which the free impulse of the heart controls. 

What now their hopes, the highest satisfies. 

Is tinsel wealth and things of butterflies. 580 

" No evil, greater, can a state befall, 
Then bow and worship at a monarch's call — 
An easy task to profligate the owe, 
The subjects follow, and how soon undone! 

" I for a time, inviting struck my lyre 
On the green borders of the Seine, and Loire. 
The Franks, transported with the glorious theme, 
Sung swelling anthems o'er each happy stream; 
But soon grim Anarchy appear'd and fill'd 
The heart with rancour, which the affections chill'd. 590 
Son met his father, reckless of his years — 
The rivers burst their banks with blood and tears; 
With aching bosom from the land I flew. 
Unable to behold the bleeding view. 

" From this dread scene I pass'd to Erin's plain — 
But round her shores I tun'd her harp in vain. 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

The notes at first were soothing to her heart, 
And ne'er, O never did I think to part. 
Behold, a prowling Lion checked the strain! 

I left her tearful, stooping o'er the main." 600 

********* 

Her bosom trembled — she let fall a tear — 

More lucid drop than that — (the morning clear) 

Which hangs suspended from a leaf's extreme, 

A beauteous mirror for the orient beam. 

********* 

The cherubs fill the pause with melting song — 
The weeping numbers sighing they prolong; 
Their voice uniting with their harps, so faint, 
And yet so tender the soul-moving plaint, 
The glorious synod languish while they feel 
A something holy, that no words reveal. 610 

The anthem clos'd — the subject she pursues, 
Her blue eyes floating in the trembling dews; 

" From the Green-Isle I pass'd the western tide, 
The sweet ey'd star of evening was rny guide. 
I met Columbia, — and with transport soon, 
I warm'd her heart with Freedom's lofty tune." 

Lo, at the mention of her sacred name, 
The sainted patriots felt a hallow'd flame 
Glow in their bosoms, and with impulse strong 
They pour'd their gushing rapture from their tongue: 620 

" Hail! Hail! All Hail! Columbia, ever be 
Cemented and abide in Liberty!" 

The voice of heaven proceeds: " Each object thrill'd 
My heart with gladness as my course I held, 
To me an offering of bright flowers they strew'd 
Through cities throng'd or vales of solitude 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

They bless'd the names who stemm'd corruption's flood — 
All felt their freedom purchas'd, was with blood. 
The temple which to me you there uprear'd, 
Was still exalted, honour'd and rever'd. 630 

Peace o'er the land her gentle doves display'd — 
No jars intestine shook their faith dismay'd. 
Joys circled joys on buoyant tiptoe round — 
The vallies bloom'd with life by Plenty crown'd, 
Each soul breath'd valour — generous every heart — 
Substantial virtues strengthen'd every part. 
Their voices shrill, re-echo'd to my lyre, 
Which warm'd their feelings with a kindling fire. 
" But language cannot speak what sad I fear'd, 
When forth from hell two hideous fiends appear'd — 640 
Avarice! fell Luxury! — from Albion's Isle, 
They brought the bane Columbia to defile. 

" Now wings of gaudy insects charm their sight, 
Music of gold is transport, exquisite. 
Th' invading poison circulates around — 
No real virtue consecrates the ground. 
Agents entrusted with the peopled power, 
E'en should it be but for a transient hour — 
That hour they sacrifice to bitter feud, 
And not devote it to the public good. 650 

False they exclaim against deceptive wiles, 
Though at the time, with artificial smiles, 
They rob the people of their rights — connive 
At wickedness, that they themselves may thrive. 
To cover o'er their art, their tongues are loud. 
My name to publish to the listening crowd. 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

k " I turned disgusted from the darkening scene, 

And rose to heaven this consult to convene, 

That you th' afflicting circumstance might hear, 

And learn the deepness of its character. 660 

" Fame I instructed to abide on earth, 
T' attend th' events, momentous passing forth. 
Unseen she stood within the hall of stale, 
To hear the manner of their full debate." 

She pauses, damp'd with tears — her bosom heaves 
With deep concernment, while the synod grieves. 
In her soft breast, such passions habit there, 
Her tongue refuses farther to declare. 
She waves to Independence on the right, 
That he should rise — the painful theme recite. 670 

(He from the earth had late advanc'd his way, 
To join th' Immortals in their bright array.) 

"And must I sad the circumstance unfold — 
The icy truth? Columbia kneels to gold'. 
The plotting Fiend devotes his every hour 
To bow her sons beneath a kingly power — 
To bar Fredonia from the land away, 
And govern earth with a despotic sway. 
No method, art, device, will be untried, 
That on their necks audacious he may ride. 680 

Discord triumphant thunders round her shores — 
At every stride his voice augmenting roars. 
To break their union's chain his hopeful plan, 
To grasp the nation in his withering span. 

" The hardy virtues of their sires have fled — 
They yield the liberty for which they bled: 
Tamely they suffer Britain to excite 
Th' unsparing savage to the murderous rite; 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

T* emission spies to watch their weaker part, 

And thus stab Freedom secret at the heart; 690 

To bar their traversing the ocean free, 

Unless to her they price the liberty!* 

To smite their vessels through an envious pride, 

While on their own bright waters they abide; 

T' impress their bosom'd offspring in their fleets, 

Where Cruelty his poison'd dagger whets — 

Where Mercy faints, — where Faith and Hope expire, 

And all the virtues weepingly retire — 

To starve — to scourge — " 

His utterance was suppress'd 700 
By scenes of blood that labour'd in his breast. 
Unconscious tears are seen in every eye, 
Expressive of the soul's deep sympathy — 
Such tears as to immortal eyes are given, 
Pure as the droppings from a rainbow'd heaven. 

In holy sorrow Washington arose- - 
Thus the sad fulness of his bosom flows : 

" Frequent my heart hath been oppress'd with tears, 
That, for my country I should shed these tears; 
Long ere my soul bade farewell to the earth, 710 

I saw these monsters through the land stride forth — 
Avarice, at times, uprear'd his feverish head, 
And sliding Luxury, from the ocean fed. 

" When late I fi I'd the presidential seat, 
Britannia strove to bind us with her fleet, — 
Our Eagle free upon the seas, debas'd — 
A stain indelible, — our name, disgrae'd — 

* Transit duty. 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Tore our defenceless mariners from home — 
Their slavery fix'd — irremeable doom! 

11 Columbia wept in bitterness of wo, 720 

In friendship's mask to find a treacherous foe. 
Rous'd by injustice, I address'd her throne, 
And firm in purpose, made the grievance known. 
With seeming truth, in promise, she complied — 
Yet I but partial on her faith relied. 
Where interest leads, her promises are vain — 
Revenge and malice in her councils reign. 

" But O reveal — is Freedom's virtue gone? 
Is all the sense of right and honour done? 
Are all the worthies whom I left behind 730 

Bent on the knee — to infamy consign'd? 
Alas, the theme! — Of Jefferson, O say — 
And hath his virtue gone the slippery way? 
Pickering, Monroe, Scott, Shelby, Madison, 
Within whose veins a bold resistance run? 
Floyd, Gerry, Sullivan, Heath, Stark, and King, 
Who ever to thy name did incense bring? 
Pearce, Dearborn, Eustis, Carroll, Macon, Strong, 
That shouted liberty in choral song? 

" And O inform me of that virtuous Frank, 740 

Who scorn'd his princely birth, and join'd the rank 
With those for freedom toiling — Lafayette — 
Who oft in battle made his sword-steel wet 
With blood of tyranny — whose soul stood high 
To give to man liis boon of liberty." 

He sat: Fredonia with sweet breath began, 
While melting passion through her features ran: 

" Son of my bosom, — matchless heir of heaven! 
The songs of angels to thy worth arc given! 
3* 



FEEDONIAD. CANTO IJI. 

What transport should I feel could I relate, 760 

That all stood lofty as of ancient date! 

But by the arts and cunning wiles of hell, 

Against their country many sad rebel — 

VVither'd their laurels — blotted out their fame, 

Pleading for Albion in her cruel claim! 

"Their names I'll mention not. 'twould wound your ear 
To learn how lost their former character." 

A murmuring deep of indignation rose, 
To hear that numbers treacherous should oppose 
Celestial liberty — plead tyrant laws, 760 

And heap disgrace upon the nation's cause. 
But soon she gave them peace: What though this loss? 
A host stand purified from slaving dross: 

" Gerry a pillar of the state remains, 
And Sullivan his dignity sustains, 
Stark and the veteran Pearce adhere to truth — 
New burnishing the glory of their youth. 
Never will Shelby, Eustis, be forgot, 
Nor Macon sage in years, nor dauntless Scott. 
Dearborn the scales of even justice holds, 770 

And all his virtues for the cause unfolds. 
Monroe, ingrafted with his country's name, 
Contends her rights unshaken and the same. 

" Great Jefferson demands of heaven its praise — 
I've bound his temples with the civic bays! 
He ruled the nation with a sage-like skill, 
When faction's voice was heard from every bill. 
Around his brows will clustering honours twine, 
Till full of years he gains this world divine. 

11 The ancient Carroll and the hoary Floyd, 780 

Who were thv colleagues when thine arms destroy'd 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

The claims of hard oppression in the east, 
And Independence shouted in the west — 
Stand in uprightness as in former day, 
And grow in virtue as their heads grow gray. 

" And, ah! what bosom ever can forget 
The nameless virtues of the good Fayette? 
A star of promise, he in youth appear'd, 
Whose holy light the breast of sages cheer'd; 
In age, a pillar of a cloud by day 79 ° 

To guide the pilgrim-wanderers on their way, 
Searching the mountain-grove where Freedom dwells 
To wave her standard on a thousand hills ! 

" The bane of tyrants he exalted lives. 
While from each patriot, reverence he receives, 
Pure as devotions of the prophets old, 

When they the purpose of their God foretold! 

********* 

" Now the Republic hearkens to the voice 
Of Madison — its free elective choice. 
His fame unsullied ever will abide, 800 

While spotless worth shall character decide. 

" An host of others I could mention now, 
Whose upright knee will ne'er to luxury bow — 
Who from oppression ever will be free, 
Or die the martyrs of their liberty!" 

ThrilPd with her voice the cherubs struck the lyre — 
The souls translated kindled with the fire, 
They sang: " Columbia, let thy name be free. 
Or die the martyr of thy liberty!" 

The chorus ended, Franklin rising speaks, 810 

Celestial wisdom flushing o'er his cheeks: 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 



'* Freedom's Divinity! None shall despoil 
Thy hallow'd temple! — sudden will recoil 
Their arts, and hide them from the virtuous eye, 
Or only thought of to their infamy. 
Yet 'tis most grievous to behold the band 
Loosen'd from hell to desolate the land: 
But still a galaxy of names appear, 
Whose steel-bound joints will never stoop to fear. 
In these I rest my hopes — they'll hold the cause 820 

Of right and justice, liberty and laws. 
The subject never from their minds will fade, 
Till haughty Britain is repentant made. 
They've borne her cruel tyrannies too long — 
Ere this with steel should they have search'd the wrong. 
Yet will the Eagle in her strength arise, 
And swell her pinions in remotest skies — 
Beneath her wing, the lion lap the dust — 
Justice will speak, and speak the cause is just." 

His language touch'd the soul's ecstatic chord — 830 
Their every eye was brighten'd at each word. 

Justice express'd his thoughts: " Yes, I decree 
Their cause is just, and Albion bends the knee! 

u Long hath thy breast with anxious cares been riven, 
Clouded, then brighten'd, then to darkness given — 
Pain hast thou suffer'd, such as heaven can feel, 
To mark thy children their destruction seal. 
Thy tender heart felt pressure on the earth 
To see the agency of hell stride forth — 
Plotting the mind's uprightness to debase, 840 

And bring the dress of virtue in disgrace. 

" But the glad promises that Franklin spoke, 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Nothing — no particle shall e'er be broke; 
No, never shall thy sons, Fredonia, bow, 
To civil discord, or Britannia's brow. 
Fix'd is my word — unalter'd my decree — 
Victorious shall Columbia bound the sea; 
And after various struggles on the land, 
No hostile footstep shall imprint the sand. 

" Yes, Jefferson — how precious is his name! 850 

My tongue delights to dwell upon the theme! 
The elder Adams also has mv care — 
He stood for Freedom with his bosom bare. 
His mind is as the star that gilds the north — 
Unchang'd its brilliance since its day of birth. 

" Lo, I this honour to their worth decree — 
That they upon the nation's Jubilee, 
Shall be translated from the mortal sphere 
T' embrace their Washington and Franklin here." 

A song of triumph pour'd from every tongue — 860 

With loud hosannas the empyrean rung; 
Great was the joy — it overflow'd the breast, 
That Freedom's Jubilee should make them bless'd. 

Justice proceeds. Fame enters soon the bower, 
To bear the word that humbles Albion's power. 

" Yet such is man, clogg'd in the vale below, 
He first must feel before he'll virtue know. 
In vain that Washington with tears impress'd 
HhF'trewell Blessing on his country's breast — 
In which he urg'd them to avoid the fiend, 870 

Who in a borrow'd guise assum'd the friend; 
The factious ever, ever to abjure; 
By every mean their Union to secure— 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Nor let the different stars of east or west, 

Or north, or south, disturb the nation's rest; 

To fly from jealousy — vindictive hate, 

Which soon would strangle freedom in the state ; 

To watch with eagle eye ambitious minds, 

Whom oath, nor league of sacred friendship binds — 

And thus become a nation rul'd by law, 880 

And not by men — nor change with every flaw. 

" From this, his parting voice, they've turn'd aside. 
Yea, with a scoff his maxims they deride! 
Hence they these truths to know, must sharply feel 
Arrows acute, avenging, biting steel; 
Refin'd, at length, by keen affliction taught, 
They'll rise to virtue and redeem their fault — 
Live till the trump shall echo from the sky 
To wake the sleepers from mortality! 

" List to the sound that breaks upon the ear! 890 

'Tis Fame ascending — Lo! she's present here!" 

Scarce ceas'd the clarion of approaching Fame, 
When the bright goddess like celestial flame, 
Enter'd the bower! Th' immortals lean profound 
To catch her accents as they echo round. 

" Rejoice, ye bless'd inhabitants of heaven ! 
Behold, sublimity from earth is given! 
Scajce from his ball hath Time uncoiled a thread, 
Since I the temple of Columbia fled. 

w Thy offspring longer than the present hour, 900 

Could suffer not the grasp of tyrant power; 
But war have they with righteousness declar'd, 
The independence of their name to guard! 

" This was the labour of a fearless band, 
In stern defiance of the civil brand 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

Flaming the nation round — whose names will be 
Like rocks amid the uproar of the sea, 
Never to perish till eternity! 

" Columbia bounding on her flaming car 
From shore to shore, proclaims the avenging war. 910 
Her eye on heaven is bent to aid her cause — 
To bind the states in one and vindicate her laws." 

Fame ended thus; and thus the glorious band: 
" Columbia, hail! thy liberty shall stand! 
Thou sunderest the links of Luxury's chain; 
'Tis thine to curb the pirate of the main. 
Ere that thy sword shall in its scabbard rest, 
Deep to the life it wounds Britannia's breast. 
Columbia, hail! let Union be thy star, 
And it shall guide to victory in war." 920 

When ceas'd the anthem, Henry stately rose — 
This language ardent from his bosom flows: 

" My soul is deified beyond her sphere 
By the glad sound that broke upon my ear. 
Now shall Columbia, without period, be 
The seat of Science and of Liberty. 
Ye heaven- wash'd souls that beautify these bowers, 
Are not your hearts refresh'd like sprinkled flowers? 
Not vainly have you spent your lives on earth — 
Your offspring testify their patriot birth. 930 

" As Justice righteous counsell'd at the close, 
So without succour let them meet their foes; 
By which they'll learn how once their fathers fought — 
How dear the price that they their freedom bought; 
Knowing its cost, they'll prize the gem more high, 
And guard the blessing as divinity. 



FREDONIAD. CANTO III. 

" As guileful agents strive to bend them down, 
And make them slaving subjects of a crown, 
Hence, heaven should only for a time be hid, 940 

Till they experience what their fathers did; 
Or like a ring of adamant they join 
Solid in one and cramp the foe's design — 
Then thou, Fredonia, shouldst from this depart, 
And with thy virtues animate their heart — 
Drive back grim Discord howling from the soil, 
And all the darkness on the Fiend recoil. 

" Till then, no succour from thine arm be given, 
But jealous mark them from the wall of heaven." 

Pie paus'd. — None rising, Justice hails the vote — 
When all, with hand upon the breast, assent denote, 950 

At sound of infant harps th' empyreals rise — 
Stars new created brightening o'er the skies. 
In happy troops on buoyancy they float, 
While in rapt ecstasy they strike the note, 
That thrills, and burns with inspiration high, 
And bears them upward to the Deity. 



A NATIONAL. SONG, . . . BY J. GRAHAM. 

SUNG AT THE 

CELEBRATION DINNER, TAMMANY HALL. 






Air..." Auld Lang Syne." 

He heard the vengeful war halloo — ■ 

His country call her brave ; 
He grasp'd the sword, away he flew 

To victory or a grave. 

Still dear his country's sacred call, 

Her rights, her laws to shield, 
Within the legislative hall,* 

Or on the gory field. 

How bright the glory round him glows, 

Canada's Thames can tell, 
For there, 'mid freedom's vanquished foes, 

The savage chieftain fell.f 

O, bless the gallant Patriot's name ! 

He turned, he broke the dart, 
That bigots, to their endless shame, 

Aimed at fair freedom's heart.J 

Dark laws, that call misfortune crime, 

And freedom's sons would chain, 
At JOHNSON'S word, to barbarous time 

Fall mouldering back again. 

Invasion's sword, rest in thy sheath ! 

To slaves, ye bigots, go ! 
For soon the Presidential Wreath 

Shall bind our Patriot's brow. 

*" Freedom of Speech and of the Press— the Rights of Conscience— the 
Responsibility of Political Agents to the People— and Universal Education; 
-main pillars which sustain the Temple of Liberty."— R. M. JOHNSON. 

tTccumseh. ISunday Mail Report. 



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